The Nativity
1505
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1505
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Nativity is a 1505 ink by Master I.I.CA, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a busy night scene. In the center, a woman sits on the ground holding a baby. She looks tired but calm. Around her, a few small figures—maybe angels—float in the air. A donkey and cow stand nearby, looking at the baby. The artist used lots of tiny lines to build up dark and light areas. This makes the scene pop off the page. It’s a crowded image, but the woman and baby stay the focus. Want to see how this style works? Look up engraving.
