Birth of the Virgin

18th century

Follower of Francesco Fontebasso

Associated Names
Francesco Fontebasso

Related Artist, Venetian, 1709 - 1769

The image shows multiple figures, both adults and children, in a busy composition. A woman in the center holds an infant, draped in fabric, with other women around her. One woman holds a bowl beside the seated woman, while another stands with a basket on her head. The people have classical facial features common in Renaissance art. An older bearded man near the center appears to have a glowing halo. The individuals wear flowing garments. In the clouds above, an older figure with a robe and beard is surrounded by cherubs or angelic children. The background has swirling clouds around the divine figures looking down on the earthly gathering.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink, brush and brown ink, and brown wash, heightened with white, on prepared laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Malcolm W. Bick

  • Dimensions

    overall (approximate): 54.4 x 36.1 cm (21 7/16 x 14 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1973.64.1


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Christian M. Nebehay, Vienna, by 1906); J.V. Novak (Lugt 1949); (Christian M. Nebehay, Vienna, c. 1969); Malcolm M. BIck, Springfield, MA, by 1973); gift to NGA in 1973.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1974

  • Recent Acquisitions and Promised Gifts: Sculptures, Drawings, Prints. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1974:204.

1990

  • Magrini, Marina. "Francesco Fontebasso-I disegni," Saggi e Memorie di Storia dell'Arte 17, 1990: 168 note 17.

Inscriptions

in later hand, upper center verso: 13.; lower right verso: XXI/4b / #13

Wikidata ID

Q64562048

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