Who painted Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity)?

Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity) was painted by Léonard Gaultier in 1603.

Where can I see Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity)?

Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity)?

Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity) is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity)?

Museum-quality prints of Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity)

Léonard Gaultier , 1603

Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Léonard Gaultier. It dates from 1603 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:upper center in plate: Les Feste du Mois de Decembre.; center in plate: S. Nicolas le 6. La Conception de la Vierge Marie le 8. S. Thomas le 21./Les Innocents le 28./S. Jean l'evang le 27./S. Estienne le 26/La nativité de nre seigneur le 25.; lower left in plate: L. Gaultier/sculpcit; lower center in plate: Sainct Nicolas on feste, et la vierge Marie.../...Sainct Estienne sainct Jean, avec les Innocents.; lower right in plate: J. le Clerc/excudit.

About this work

Overview

Les Festes du mois de Decembre (December: The Nativity) is a 1603 engraving by Léonard Gaultier, measuring 19 × 12.9 cm (plate) and 29 × 20.4 cm (sheet), executed on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a serene Nativity scene set in a humble stable. Central figures include Mary kneeling beside the infant Jesus, Joseph standing alongside, and shepherds observing from the left, conveying a moment of reverence and wonder.

Technique & Style

Gaultier employed cross-hatching to achieve depth and dimensionality. Intricate details are rendered through finely cut lines on metal, carefully balancing shadows and light to create a precise, contemplative atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1603, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

As a 17th-century engraving, it reflects the religious themes common during the period, while its technical precision highlights Gaultier's skill within the engraving tradition.

Legacy

The engraving's impact or influence on subsequent artistic works is not specified in the provided details.