This is a painting of a nativity scene. The image features a baby lying on the ground with rays emanating from it, surrounded by figures dressed in robes. A cow and an ass are beside a wooden structure, possibly a stable. One of the figures is in a kneeling position with hands clasped. An angel hovers above with a banner, and there are multiple haloed figures. The style is reminiscent of an early Renaissance religious woodcut, known for biblical and Christian iconography.

Gallery mode Full size at the museum

The Nativity

Bolognese 15th Century

Florentine 15th Century

or artist Lombard 15th Century

probably second half 15th century

Medium: nielloed silver
Classification: Sculpture
Dimensions: overall: 10.8 × 8 cm (4 1/4 × 3 1/8 in.)
Culture: Italian
Museum: National Gallery of Art, CSD
Credit line: Samuel H. Kress Collection
Rights: Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art

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