Artwork
Nativity of Christ
Nativity of Christ is a color painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The use of light and composition underscores the sacredness of the moment, aligning with Northern Renaissance emphases on spiritual intimacy and detail.
The work depicts the Nativity of Christ, focusing on the birth of Jesus as described in Christian tradition. The scene centers on the Christ Child, placed before Mary and Joseph, with the newborn radiating divine light. The composition emphasizes the humble setting, often including ox and ass, which became standard symbols of the event in art.
The scene conveys theological significance, representing Incarnation and the revelation of God made man to humanity. The use of light and composition underscores the sacredness of the moment, aligning with Northern Renaissance emphases on spiritual intimacy and detail.
Technique & Style
Albrecht Altdorfer created the Nativity of Christ in 1520 as a religious painting executed in color on a panel support. The work measures 44 cm in height and 36 cm in width, presenting a compact format typical of the artist's panel paintings from this period. As a piece of religious art depicting the Christ Child, the composition relies on the application of color to the wooden surface to define its formal qualities. The painting remains part of the collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
History & Provenance
Albrecht Altdorfer created the painting titled Nativity of Christ in 1520. Executed as a religious work on panel using color, the piece measures 44 cm in height and 36 cm in width. The artwork depicts the Nativity of Jesus and the Christ Child as its main subject. It is currently held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
The Nativity of Christ, painted by Albrecht Altdorfer in 1520, is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The work is executed in color on panel and measures 44 cm in height by 36 cm in width. While the sources confirm the museum's ownership and the painting's physical attributes, no specific inventory or accession number is provided in the available records. Furthermore, the provided sources do not contain details regarding a history of exhibitions for this specific artwork.
Context
The painting was created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1520 and is now housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. It depicts the Nativity of Jesus, showing the infant Christ Child in a religious scene. The work is recognized as part of Altdorfer's religious output within the broader context of early Northern Renaissance art.
Overview
Albrecht Altdorfer's 1520 painting, Nativity of Christ, is a color work on a religious theme, characteristic of the Danube School's expressive landscapes.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…
