The Nativity

c. 1655

Bartolomeo Biscaino

Associated Names
Bartolomeo Biscaino

Artist, Genoese, 1629 - 1657

The image shows several figures in a seated position on the ground. In the center is a woman holding a child. A man with a beard is seated beside them. Two winged figures are above them, possibly angels. Nearby are a cow and a donkey. The background includes architectural elements and a rustic landscape. The scene is depicted with detailed line work in an etching style.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 39.5 × 28 cm (15 9/16 × 11 in.)
    framed: 59.69 × 44.45 cm (23 1/2 × 17 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1985.54.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bartsch, no. 7, State (ii/iii)

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., London); acquired 1985 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1990

  • Eva/Ave: Woman in Renaissance and Baroque Prints, NGA, 1990, no. 37, repro.

2012

  • The Baroque Genius of Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C., 2012

2020

  • A Superb Baroque: Art in Genoa, 1600-1750, National Gallery of Art, Washington; Scuderie del Quirinale, Rome, 2020, no. 69 (shown only in Washington, Washington venue canceled).

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821.

1985

  • Colnaghi, London: 6/25-7/13/1985, 7 (described w/ new unpublished information as second state of three).

1990

  • Russell 1990, cat.no.37.

2020

  • Bober, Jonathan. A Superb Baroque: Art in Genoa, 1600-1750,Exh cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington: 224, no. 69.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: BISCAI.VS GENVE. F; lower right in plate: Daman ex.

Wikidata ID

Q74069542

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