Great essay. Many thanks! The Dove is also the symbol of Holy Spirit. Nativity is one of the subjects where the theological doctrine of Incarnation is expressed most clearly. It would be interesting to compare Italian Renaissance paintings with Byzantine and Orthodox icons. We had a very interesting lecture by bishop Michał Janocha at our museum on Virgin Mary in Byzantine-Russian Iconography of Nativity. I think You should be able to translate it English with Google translate or another translator.