The Nativity of Jesus
Flemish School, late 16th/early 17th century
Gerard David (Oudewater, c. 1460 - Bruges, 1523) Follower of
Oil on copper (30 x 25 cm - Framed 47 x 42 cm)
Complete details of the work (click HERE)
This small jewel on copper, depicting the Nativity, is a valuable version of a work by Gerard David, specifically the central panel of the famous Triptych of the Nativity with Donors and Saints Jerome and Leonard (circa 1515), currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (https://blog.metmuseum.org/cloistersgardens/2012/12/18/bread-from-heaven/ ).
The work reflects the meticulous and realistic style typical of the Northern Renaissance, characterized by a remarkable compositional balance and a meticulous attention to detail: Gerard David was the last of the great masters of the Bruges school and his work was widely studied and replicated by his workshop, during his life but especially after his death.
Our composition in particular, certainly commissioned as an object of private devotion, is the work of a follower of the great master, active in the Flemish area between the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
The painting immortalizes the episode of the birth of Jesus in the most classical way, who lies in a manger surrounded by an ox and a donkey, with Mary and Saint Joseph in adoration (the mother holds her hands joined in prayer, while Joseph crosses his arms on his heart in humility). A curious and unusual detail is that regarding Joseph, here represented as a young man, unlike most depictions.
Beautiful is the detail of the angels of the celestial army standing on the site of the divine event, at the top on the right, and the glimpse of the background, through an opening, from which we can see shepherds in a hilly landscape, giving the work a suggestive atmosphere of contemplation.
The setting also appears very evocative, faithfully replicated compared to the original prototype, which reflects the passage of the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:7): according to tradition, the family did not find shelter in any inn and chose to protect the child inside the dilapidated palace of King David of the Old Testament, ancestor of Christ.
**Gerard David, Triptych, 1505, 90 x 71 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, United States)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.
We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.
In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which takes about 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtaining it. All costs of this procedure are included.
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