Who painted The Nativity?

The Nativity was painted by Palma il Giovane in 1598.

Where can I see The Nativity?

The Nativity is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Nativity?

The Nativity is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Nativity

Palma il Giovane , 1598

The Nativity is a print by the Renaissance artist Palma il Giovane. It dates from 1598 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1989.115
Credit line: Gift in honor of Katherine Zuppan Everson

About this work

Overview

The Nativity, created in 1598 by Jacopo Palma il Giovane, is a religious print exemplifying the Venetian school of art. It is currently part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting a pivotal religious scene, the print shows a group gathered around a baby in a manger within a dim, wooded setting. The emphasis on gestures and dim lighting underscores the emotional and spiritual intensity of the Nativity.

Technique & Style

Palma il Giovane employed deep shadows and rough lines to convey movement and urgency, characteristic of the style that followed Tintoretto's legacy. The use of chiaroscuro (strong contrasts between light and dark) directs focus towards the central figures' actions.

History & Provenance

Created in 1598, The Nativity reflects Palma il Giovane's rise as Venice's leading artist after Tintoretto's death in 1594. The work's provenance culminates in its current residence at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

As a Venetian school piece, The Nativity sits within the broader context of late 16th-century Venetian art, known for dramatic lighting and emotional depth, influencing both local and Central European artistic practices.

Legacy

While specific impacts of The Nativity on subsequent art are not detailed, it contributes to the enduring legacy of the Venetian school and Palma il Giovane's role in perpetuating Tintoretto's stylistic influences across Europe.

Artist & collection

Artist

Palma il Giovane

Iacopo Negretti (1548/50 – 14 October 1628), best known as Jacopo or Giacomo Palma il Giovane or simply Palma Giovane ('Young Palma'), was an Italian painter from Venice and a notable exponent of the Venetian school.