Artwork
The Nativity
The Nativity is an oil painting. It dates from 1460 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting's religious genre underscores its devotional purpose, intended to evoke contemplation of a foundational event in the Christian narrative.
The work depicts the Nativity of Jesus, the Christian scene of the birth of Christ. The subject follows traditional iconography with the Christ Child placed centrally, attended by the Virgin Mary. The scene emphasizes maternal care and divine incarnation, central to Christian theology.
The presence of the Christ Child signifies the Incarnation, while Mary's figure embodies piety and the fulfillment of prophecy. The painting's religious genre underscores its devotional purpose, intended to evoke contemplation of a foundational event in the Christian narrative.
Technique & Style
Created circa 1460, this religious painting is executed in oil paint on a panel support. The work measures 94 centimeters in height and 92.1 centimeters in width. Attributed to a South Netherlandish painter, the piece depicts the Nativity of Jesus, featuring the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child as central figures.
The application of oil medium on wood panel reflects the standard technical approach for Netherlandish art of the mid-fifteenth century, allowing for the detailed rendering characteristic of the region's religious genre scenes. The object is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, having previously been owned by Michael Friedsam.
History & Provenance
The Nativity is an oil-on-panel work dated to 1460, attributed to a South Netherlandish painter. The painting entered the collection of Michael Friedsam before passing, through his bequest, into the holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it remains in the permanent collection. No information regarding the original commission or early ownership chain prior to Friedsam is documented in the available sources.
Overview
This oil painting, titled The Nativity, presents a tranquil nocturnal scene centered around the birth of Christ. It features three adult figures and the infant, surrounded by a gentle, golden luminescence. The composition emphasizes a sense of quiet reverence, with soft colors and a warm background contributing to its serene atmosphere. The work exemplifies a traditional approach to depicting this pivotal religious event.
Artist & collection
