The Nativity
1495
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1495
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Nativity is a 1495 ink by Israhel van Meckenem, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a crowded scene with a baby in a manger, flanked by an ox and a donkey. A woman in a long robe kneels beside the baby, while a man in robes holds a candle. Angels with wings float above, and shepherds gather in the background. The lines are sharp and detailed, creating a sense of depth. The artist used fine lines and shading to build up the image, a technique called cross-hatching. This method lets them show light and shadow without color. Look up engraving to see how artists create detailed prints like this one.
