Artwork
The Nativity
The Nativity is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Pietro Perugino. It dates from 1502 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
- Accession no.
- 16205
- Credit line
- Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson Collection
About this work
Overview
The Nativity is a tempera on panel painting, later transferred to canvas, originally part of a predella, a series of small narrative scenes forming the base of an altarpiece.
Subject & Meaning
Depicting the birth of Jesus, the painting highlights a moment of divine revelation of his nature, surrounded by Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and angels in a serene stable setting.
Technique & Style
Executed in soft, glowing colors (pinks, blues, golds) using tempera, a medium based on egg yolk and pigment, the work exhibits a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Originally one of five predella panels (including a Resurrection scene now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art), the main altarpiece it supported remains unidentified.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pietro Perugino (US: PERR-ə-JEE-noh, -oo-; Italian:; born Pietro Vannucci or Pietro Vanucci; c.
The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene
Madonna and Child
Portrait of Lorenzo di Credi![The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [right panel], by Pietro Perugino](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-perugino--the-crucifixion-with-the-virgin-saint-john-saint-jerome-and--7d9a2b1f47b9fc9b-w320.webp)
The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [right panel]
Saint John the Baptist; Saint Lucy
The Resurrection![The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [left panel], by Pietro Perugino](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-perugino--the-crucifixion-with-the-virgin-saint-john-saint-jerome-and--1017dec17318baa5-w320.webp)
The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [left panel]![The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [middle panel], by Pietro Perugino](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-perugino--the-crucifixion-with-the-virgin-saint-john-saint-jerome-and--a9b4c312771e3f71-w320.webp)
The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [middle panel]
