World's largest oil painting displayed in Bethlehem

The world’s largest oil painting was displayed in Bethlehem’s Manger Square in front of the Nativity Church Thursday. A representative of President Mahmoud Abbas attended the ceremony along with several Palestinian officials, clerics and representatives of governmental and nongovernmental organizations. The painter, Jamal Badwan, a Palestinian living in Ukraine, told the audience he was happy to visit his homeland and display his masterpiece. The 310-square-meter painting was first unveiled in Kiev in 2011, and after that it was displayed in many Arab and western countries. The previous record was held by a Dutch artist for a 210-square-meter oil painting. Badwan told reporters in Kiev that the painting was inspired by Noah's Ark. He painted the earth surrounded by people of all ethnicities, panicking as a huge flood approaches. They are led to safety by a dove through Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and a famous Kiev church.