Birth of Christ
18th century
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-1572
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
### Birth of Christ Antonio Cavallucci (1752–1795), an Italian artist active in the vibrant artistic circles of 18th-century Rome, created *Birth of Christ* during a time when religious themes remained central to European painting. This work, classified as a depiction of figures, captures the sacred Nativity scene—a cornerstone of Christian iconography that has inspired artists for centuries. Cavallucci, trained in the grand tradition of Italian art, likely drew on the emotional depth and dramatic compositions popular in his era, blending devotion with visual storytelling to evoke the humility...