The nativity of Christ. Engraving by A. Sadeler II after H. von Aachen and J. Hoefnagel.

In the centre, the Holy Family with the infant Christ in the stable. Around is an allegorical border designed by Hoefnagel. Left and right, angels holding olive branches that turn into the letters Alpha and Omega, which then turn into cornucopias that illuminate the globe. The left cornucopia, inscribed "Virtus Dei ad salutem", issues light that illuminates a globe inscribed "Lux vera in tenebris lucens" (a true light shining in the darkness). The right cornucopia, inscribed "Omni credenti", sheds light on a globe inscribed in Greek "Alexikakos eos" (the dawn that averts evil). The left globe emits various symbols of darkness and oppression (an owl, a knife, an ox-skull, a yoke, a bit), while the right globe emits other sinister symbols (a bat, toads, a book of Hermetic philosophy). On both sides the symbols fall down on to shepherds