Artwork
The Nativity
The Nativity is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Domenico Ghirlandaio. It dates from 1481 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Nativity, a tempera painting created around 1481 by Domenico Ghirlandaio, is a religious work depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. It is currently housed in the Fitzwilliam Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a serene scene of the Christ Child’s birth in a dimly lit stable. Key figures include an elderly man (likely Joseph) kneeling with a staff, the Virgin Mary standing in a red-and-black dress gazing at the infant, and animals (two cows and a donkey) in the background, set against a landscape of hills, trees, and a distant building.
Technique & Style
Ghirlandaio employed flat colors and clear outlines, characteristic of early Renaissance tempera painting techniques. This approach emphasizes clarity and simplicity, fitting for religious subjects of the time.
History & Provenance
Created within Ghirlandaio’s large Florentine workshop (which included family and apprentices), the painting’s provenance leads to its current location in the Fitzwilliam Museum, though specific ownership history before this is not detailed here.
Context
As a 'third generation' Florentine artist, Ghirlandaio’s work reflects the transitional styles of the early Renaissance, blending traditional techniques with emerging artistic trends.
Artist & collection
Artist
Domenico di Tommaso Curradi di Doffo Bigordi (2 June 1448 – 11 January 1494), professionally known as Domenico Ghirlandaio (also spelt as Ghirlandajo), was an Italian Renaissance painter born in Florence.
The Nativity
The Nativity
The Nativity
Virgin and Child with Saints
The Nativity
The Adoration of the Shepherds
The Virgin and Child with Two Saints
The Adoration of the Shepherd, with the Annunciation to the Shepherds beyond
The Virgin and Child
Adoration of the Kings
The Virgin and Saint John the Baptist Adoring the Infant Christ
Adoration of the Kings