The Nativity
Unknown artist
1460/70
Medium
Engraving in black on cream laid paper
Dimensions
23.8 × 16.6 cm (9 3/8 × 6 9/16 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
4208
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This traditional Nativity scene shows the baby Jesus sleeping in a manger with the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, shepherds, and angels around him. The Annunciation to the Shepherds appears above this scene; the shepherds are shown with their flocks beneath cherubs carrying a banner that contains the Gloria prayer. At the top and middle of the border is a medallion of God the Father, who points toward this scene; other border medallions feature the prophets. Perhaps inspired by Alesso Baldovinetti’s...