The artwork, entitled “Nativity,” was crafted by Petrus Christus around the year 1447. Executed on wood using tempera, this piece represents the Northern Renaissance period and falls within the genre of religious painting. The dimensions of the artwork are 130 by 97 centimeters.
The artwork illustrates the traditional Christian scene of the Nativity, capturing the birth of Jesus Christ. At the centre, Mary, dressed in dark, solemn attire, stands in a pose reflecting reverence and humility. The infant Jesus lies in a manger, swaddled and surrounded by an ethereal glow, emphasizing his divine presence. Beside Mary stands Joseph, depicted with a serene yet contemplative countenance, leaning on a staff. The setting is an open-roofed stable, revealing a lush, rolling landscape in the background, typical of Christus’s Northern Renaissance style. Additionally, a group of angels, depicted with vivid colored robes and wings, kneels around the child, their expressions exuding adoration and worship. The meticulous details and rich use of color underscore the sacredness of the event while highlighting the artist’s mastery in creating depth and texture.
