Description

Away In A Manger by P. Buckley Moss

Introduction

Away In A Manger by P. Buckley Moss is a 2018 numbered, limited-edition giclée on paper depicting the Nativity in a gentle, intimate composition. Mary kneels beside the infant Jesus, her hands joined in prayer, while a second robed figure stands protectively near the child.

The three figures are enclosed within a softly rounded, arch-like form in warm terracotta, pale blue, and muted brown. Against a textured turquoise background, their flowing white garments create a peaceful scene centered on the birth of Christ.

With its restrained palette and emphasis on the Holy Family, Away In A Manger brings together two important themes for collectors: Christian faith and the traditions of Christmas.

Story Behind the Artwork

The title Away In A Manger recalls the familiar Christmas hymn and its portrayal of the infant Jesus resting in a humble setting.

Moss approaches this sacred subject through simplified figures and an intimate arrangement. The infant lies at the center of the composition, surrounded by two adults whose lowered gazes and gentle postures create an atmosphere of quiet attention.

The kneeling figure is identifiable as Mary through the traditional Nativity setting. The standing figure may be understood as Joseph, although the gallery has not supplied an artist statement confirming that identification.

Rather than depicting a detailed stable, animals, or visiting shepherds, the artwork concentrates on the relationship between the figures. The composition invites reflection on the human tenderness at the heart of the Christmas story.

Symbols & Meaning

• The Infant Jesus: Represents the birth of Christ, the central event commemorated at Christmas in Christian tradition.

• Mary’s Prayerful Posture: Her joined hands evoke devotion, gratitude, and reverence.

• The Protective Adult Figure: Suggests guardianship and care within the Holy Family.

• The Enclosing Arch: Visually shelters the figures and may evoke a sacred alcove or protective embrace.

• White Garments: In Christian visual traditions, white is often associated with purity, peace, and holiness.

These meanings reflect established Christian imagery and visual interpretation, not a documented statement of Moss’s personal intentions.

Artistic Details

One of the most distinctive features of Away In A Manger is its nearly square composition, which brings the figures close together and creates a concentrated focal point.

The turquoise background provides a cool contrast to the terracotta interior of the arch. Pale blue bands trace the outer structure and repeat along the lower edge of the flowing garments.

Moss uses strong dark outlines to define the figures without extensive facial detail. Their expressions remain gentle and understated, while the soft curves of the white fabric give the composition a continuous, rhythmic movement.

The infant’s small face becomes the emotional center of the artwork. Mary and the standing figure incline toward the child, directing the viewer’s attention inward.

The combination of warm earth tones, cool blue-green color, and sweeping white forms gives this Nativity scene a character distinct from more elaborate traditional Christmas illustrations.

Featured Master Collections

Primary Master Collection: Faith That Endures

The Nativity is the artwork’s central subject. Its emphasis on the infant Jesus, prayer, and the Holy Family makes this the strongest collection assignment.

Supporting Master Collection: Christmas Traditions

The title’s connection to a Christmas carol and the depiction of Christ’s birth make the artwork especially relevant to Christmas decorating and faith-centered holiday collecting.

Supporting Master Collection: Family & Legacy

The composition’s emphasis on a child surrounded by caring adults provides a meaningful connection to family devotion and the passing of religious traditions between generations.

Decorating Ideas

Away In A Manger is particularly suited to a Christmas display that emphasizes the religious meaning of the season.

Its soft turquoise, terracotta, and ivory tones can complement natural wood, cream textiles, greenery, and understated holiday decorations. The nearly square image could be displayed on a mantel, in an entryway, or as part of a grouping of smaller religious artworks.

For collectors who display sacred art throughout the year, its intimate composition also makes it appropriate for a prayer room, bedroom, or quiet reading area.

Gift Ideas

Away In A Manger is a thoughtful choice for collectors of Christian artwork, Nativity scenes, and P. Buckley Moss Christmas prints.

It may be especially meaningful as a Christmas gift for a family member, a gift commemorating a child’s baptism, or a gift recognizing a milestone in a person’s faith journey.

Its quiet portrayal of the Holy Family also makes it suitable for someone who appreciates religious artwork without elaborate decorative detail.

About the Edition

Away In A Manger was published in 2018 as a numbered, limited-edition giclée on paper.

🎨 Fun Fact:

The Christmas hymn Away in a Manger has an interesting publishing history. Although it was once widely attributed to Martin Luther, historians have not established that he wrote it. The earliest known publication of its first two verses appeared in an American Lutheran Sunday-school collection in 1885, long after Luther’s lifetime. The hymn subsequently became associated with more than one melody, including the tunes commonly known as Mueller and Cradle Song. This history concerns the Christmas hymn that shares the artwork’s title; it does not establish which musical setting, if any, influenced Moss’s composition.

🖼️ Collector’s Insight:

What distinguishes Away In A Manger is the simplicity of its Nativity presentation. Rather than surrounding the Holy Family with a crowded stable scene, Moss concentrates attention on the infant Jesus and two figures gathered around him. The rounded architectural form creates a sheltered space, while the sweeping white garments visually connect the figures. The contrast between turquoise and terracotta gives the artwork an especially recognizable color character. For collectors of Moss’s religious subjects, this 2018 giclée offers an intimate interpretation of the Christmas story that complements both faith-centered artwork and traditional Nativity collections.

Why Buy from Canada Goose Gallery

Canada Goose Gallery offers Away In A Manger in new, mint condition, with a Certificate of Authenticity included.

The gallery provides the edition information, image measurements, and current listed price so collectors can make an informed purchase.

For information about certificates and collecting P. Buckley Moss artwork, visit the Canada Goose Gallery Collector FAQ.

Continue Exploring

• And There Were Angels Artist Proof — An additional Moss Christmas subject with angel imagery.

• Angel Child — A gentle angel-and-child subject.

• Canada Goose Gallery Collections Hub — Explore Faith That Endures and Christmas Traditions.

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