An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
The NativityLorenzo Monaco (Piero di Giovanni)
Italian, Florence (?) ca. 1370–1425 Florence (?)
ca. 1406–10
8 3/4 x 12 1/4 in. (22.2 x 31.1 cm)
Painting
Tempera on wood, gold ground
Robert Lehman Collection
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
In Lorenzo Monaco's "The Nativity," we see a serene moment illuminated by the warmth of a newborn's light. Mary, draped in a soft blue robe, kneels in prayer, her humble reverence echoing the deep significance of this scene. The gentle rays surrounding the infant Jesus suggest divine presence, a tranquil aura that envelops the entire composition.
To the right, an older figure—likely Joseph—looks on, his red garments contrasting with the muted colors of the stable. He embodies a sense of protection and contemplation, grounding the moment in human care. The stable itself, adorned with natural elements like the cows in the background, connects the heavenly event to the earthly realm.
Above, delicate angels hover, their serene expressions adding to the peace of the composition. Their wings and golden halos shimmer, enhancing the divine significance of the nativity. The use of gold leaf surrounding the scene emphasizes its sacred nature, creating a visual sanctuary for this miraculous birth.
Through this artwork, Lorenzo Monaco invites viewers into a quiet, reflective space, encouraging moments of connection with spirituality and the beauty of new life, making it not just a scene from scripture but an accessible and uplifting moment for all.
About the artist
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