Advent Calendar: Day 19

Robert Mapplethorpe Christmas Tree

Advent Calendar: Day 18

Salvador Dali's front cover for Vogue.Dec 1946

Dali did several illustrations and covers for Vogue in the 30's and 40's. The Metropolitan Museum also hold this beautiful, albeit less festive, study for the April 1944 edition.

Advent Calendar: Day 17

Christmas Preparations at Beaulieu Charles Ernest Cundall Southampton City Art Gallery

This work is just bursting with life and activity and there are so many charming details. The chaotic cascade of white feathers falling in the middle of the painting contrasts so well with the focused calm of the two figures hunched over their tasks. I particularly like the small dog who is attentively watching the live chickens and geese inside the open crate to the right.

Only seven days left to go don't forget to check back for tomorrow's image.

Advent Calendar: Day 16

Albrecht Durer Reindeer

Advent Calendar: Day 15

Christmas Tree Lithograph Alexander Calder

If this vibrant piece has inspired you then head to Tate Modern for the Alexander Calder: Performing Sculpture show.

Advent Calendar: Day 14

The Rabbit's Christmas Party Beatrix Potter

You can practically smell the apples roasting on the fire and we can all relate to the rabbits lying full and sated and sleepy on the floor.

Advent Calendar: Day 13

The Skating Minister Henry Raeburn 1784