The Donkey, the Ox and the Baby: a Nativity Illumination Workshop
Channel: Cheiron journal
Date: 18/12/2023

This is a recording of an online workshop performed by @anastasijaropa1510 for the Equine History Collective on 12 December 2023. 
This online workshop included a theoretical and a practical part, with the participants invited, but not pressed, to apply their pencils and brushes to paper or parchment to recreate the most iconic scene of medieval Nativity and create an original Christmas card for their near and dear. 
In the first part of the workshop, the participants were introduced to the tradition of illuminating the Nativity, the Epiphany and flight to Egypt, all of which often include the humble ass, in medieval Europe. They will also be introduced to the practicalities of making illuminations in the Middle Ages, the technique and the materials.
Afterwards, the participants were guided in creating their own miniature of Christ the child with the donkey and the ox for a Christmas card, using modern, affordable and easy to find materials under the guidance of the workshop leader.