Artwork
The Nativity
The Nativity is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Jaume Ferrer II. It dates from 1457 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Nativity is a painting likely part of a six-panel altarpiece, created in collaboration with Pere Garcia de Benavarri.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts the Nativity, with the Virgin Mary kneeling in adoration above the Christ Child, who holds an orb symbolizing his dominion over the world. Joseph stands behind Mary, while two shepherds pray humbly, using a wattle fence as a makeshift pew.
Technique & Style
The painting features a gold leaf background with raised decoration, known as pastiglia, used to create intricate patterns and haloes. The use of real gold in the haloes and orb adds to the artwork's opulence, characteristic of Spanish altarpieces from this period.
History & Provenance
The Nativity is believed to have been part of a larger altarpiece, with the central panel now housed in the Museu National d'Art de Catalunya in Barcelona.
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Artist & collection
