The Nativity

c. 1470/1475

Martin Schongauer

Associated Names
Martin Schongauer

Artist, German, c. 1450 - 1491

This is a drawing of a biblical scene within a dilapidated stone structure. The scene features a central figure in flowing robes, a second figure with a lantern, a donkey, a sleeping baby, and an animal nearby. Above the arch are additional figures, possibly angels, depicted in the clouds with wings. The drawing is detailed with intricate line work and shading, giving depth to the architecture, clothing, and figures. A plant is growing between the stones in the foreground.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 25.4 x 16.8 cm (10 x 6 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.29

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 5, State only

  • Series Title

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

Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1930

  • Etchings by Martin Schongauer from the Lessing Rosenwald Collection, The Art Alliance, Philadelphia, PA, 1930.

1945

  • Postcard Prints of the National Gallery, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1945-1946, no catalogue.

1946

  • The Christmas Story in Prints, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1946-1947, no catalogue.

1956

  • Selected Prints from the Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection, City Art Museum, St. Louis, MO, 1956.

1958

  • Life of Christ, Isaac Delgado Museum of Art, New Orleans, LA, 1958-1959, no catalogue.

1959

  • Graphic Art of Durer and Schongauer, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1959, no catalogue.

1960

  • Graphic Masterpieces of Five Hundred Years from the Rosenwald Collection, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 1960, no catalogue.

1961

  • Christmas Prints from the Rosenwald Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1961-1962, no catalogue.

1962

  • A Selection of Christmas Prints, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1962-1963, no catalogue.

1968

  • Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, 1968-1969, no catalogue.

1969

  • Prints and Illuminations for the Christmas Season, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1969-1970, no catalogue.

1997

  • Six Centuries/Six Artists, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1997.

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

Q64960196

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