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The Nativity
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The Nativity

probably after 1500

Medium

Oil and gold on wood

Dimensions

Overall 55 3/8 x 40 1/2 in. (140.7 x 102.9 cm); painted surface 54 7/8 x 39 3/4 in. (139.4 x 101 cm)

Collection

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Rogers Fund, 1926

Classification

Paintings

Department

European Paintings

Rights

Public Domain

About Bernardino Fungai

1460–1516

In 1482 Fungai was an apprentice working under Benvenuto di Giovanni on monochrome frescoes for the cupola of the Siena Cathedral. In 1494 he was commissioned to decorate ceremonial banners with gold and azure, and five years later he gilded Siena Cathedral's organ case. He also painted narrative paintings on cassone panels. Fungai may have specialized in handling expensive materials such as gold. His paintings typically feature docile figures, a decorative use of color, drapery, and landscape, and a strong narrative. Landscape was a particularly key element, regardless of subject matter. Comment on works: religious