Where can I see Les Festes du mois de Septembre (September: Birth of the Virgin)?

Les Festes du mois de Septembre (September: Birth of the Virgin) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Les Festes du mois de Septembre (September: Birth of the Virgin)?

Les Festes du mois de Septembre (September: Birth of the Virgin) is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Les Festes du mois de Septembre (September: Birth of the Virgin)

Les Festes du mois de Septembre (September: Birth of the Virgin) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Léonard Gaultier. It dates from 1603 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The painting shows a scene of the birth of the Virgin Mary.
It's an old artwork from 1603.
The artist put a lot of detail into the scene, like the people and the room, which makes it interesting to look at because it tells a story from a long time ago.
You can look up the technique: engraving to learn more about how it was made.

Overview

Léonard Gaultier’s 1603 engraving titled *Les Festes du mois de Septembre* portrays the nativity of the Virgin Mary. Executed on laid paper, the print measures the intimate interior of a domestic setting where the newborn is attended by family and servants. The composition balances narrative clarity with decorative detail, inviting viewers to observe a moment from medieval legend.

Subject & Meaning

The image visualizes the traditional story of Mary’s birth, a theme celebrated in medieval and early‑modern devotional art. Figures are arranged around a central cradle, emphasizing the sanctity of the event while also reflecting contemporary ideas about family and piety. The work thus serves both as a religious illustration and a record of period customs surrounding childbirth.

Technique & Style

Created through copper‑plate engraving, the print showcases Gaultier’s skill in rendering fine lines and textures on laid paper. Cross‑hatching conveys depth and the play of light across fabrics and architectural elements. The style merges Northern European attention to detail with a compositional clarity typical of early 17th‑century French prints.

History & Provenance

The engraving entered the collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it is currently conserved. Its attribution to Gaultier and dating to 1603 are supported by archival records of the artist’s workshop. The piece remains under the gallery’s copyright, reflecting its status as a protected cultural object within the museum’s holdings.