NATIVITY (fancy way of saying BIRTH)

Nativity and Adoration of the Shepherds
Domenico Ghirlandaio - 1485

This oil painting was painted as an altarpiece in the Sassetti Chapel of Santa Trinita in Florence, Italy.  Domenico Ghirlandaio was from Florence.  Like other artists from this era, Ghirlandaio painted himself in the scene as one of the characters--most likely the one pointing to Baby Jesus.

Mystic Nativity - 1500
Sandro Botticelli

Sandro Botticelli painted the Mystic Nativity as an oil on canvas.  Notice how he portrays softness and movement in cloth--with the dancing angels. 

 

Adoration of the Magi - 1504
Albrecht Durer

This painting was commissioned for the altar of Schlosskirche in Wittenberg, Germany.  Albrecht Durer painted himself in the painting as one of the three kings (the long-haired one dressed in green).

The Sistine Madonna - 1512-13
Raphael

Raphael was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance.  This is one of his most famous works--especially the two cute little cherubs on the bottom.  Aren't they adorable?  The oil painting was commissioned as an altarpiece by Pope Julius Ii in 1512 for the Church of San Sisto, Piacenza.

Adoration of the Shepherds - 1609
Caravaggio

Caravaggio uses a high contrast between highlights and shadows, as we can see here.  His paintings often show struggle and pain.  Notice how the figures look like ordinary people, barefoot in robes, rather than with elegant divine figures.  The barn appears to be dimly lit by a candle.

Saint Francis of Assisi is said to have popularized the Nativity scene in 1223, when he staged a live recreation of the birth of Baby Jesus.  In the town of Greccio, Italy, real people and animals brought the story of the Baby's birth to life for those who could not read the Scriptures.

By the 1300s, Nativity scenes were being made of wood or clay and placed in churches throughout Italy and other parts of Europe.  These displays were often large, with life-sized figures.