Artwork
The Nativity
The Nativity is a work on paper by the Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This altarpiece panel depicts the Nativity scene and likely formed the lower section of a side altarpiece's left wing.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows the Christ Child lying on straw, wrapped in blue cloth, with two hovering angels and kneeling shepherds in the background holding gifts. The composition is derived from a relief by Hans Klocker's workshop, now in the Belvedere, Vienna.
Technique & Style
The panel's facial types and drapery folds closely resemble the Vienna relief, indicating a strong influence. The surmounting and blind tracery are similar to other altarpieces from Klocker's workshop.
History & Provenance
The altarpiece was likely part of a larger setup, with another relief panel above it, possibly depicting the Annunciation. The reverse of the wing features painted scenes of the Mocking of Christ and Christ before Pilate.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
The Nativity
The Nativity
Dormition of the Virgin Relief
Adoration of the Magi
Virgin and Child, the Coronation of the Virgin and scenes from the Nativity
The Lamentation
Shrine of Saint Anne and the Holy Kinship
Saint Apostles (reverse: Christ – Man of Sorrows). The left panel of the retable from Stary Żywiec
Nativity
Saint Apostles (reverse: Our Lady of Sorrows). The right panel of the retable from Stary Żywiec