The Nativity

c. 1470/1475

Martin Schongauer

Associated Names
Martin Schongauer

Artist, German, c. 1450 - 1491

This is a drawing of a nativity scene featuring animals and architectural arches. The scene is depicted under a gothic arch ruin with brick and stonework detail. Vines climb over the arches. The setting shows a child resting on a draped cloth, surrounded by a calf and a donkey. Above the arch, ethereal figures appear. The shading and use of line create depth, showing the artist's skill in creating a sense of depth and texture in this monochrome depiction.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Addie Burr Clark

  • Accession Number

    1946.9.241

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 5, State only

  • Series Title

    Life of the Virgin [Lehrs 5-7, 16]

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Edme-Antoine Durand [1768-1835], Paris (Lugt 741); gift to NGA, 1946.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1908

  • Lehrs, Max. Geschichte und kritischer Katalog des deutschen, niederlandischen und franzosischen Kupferstichs im XV. Jahrhundert. 9 vols. and 1 plate vol. Vienna: Gesellschaft fur vervielfaltigende Kunst, 1908-1934.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

Wikidata ID

Q65080983

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