Image source: nationalgallery.org.uk
Nativity of the night
Artist:Geertgen tot Sint Jans
| Support Type: | Wood Panel |
| Paint Type: | Oil Paint |
| Current Location: | 1925–Present (London, United Kingdom) Purchased by the National Gallery through the art dealer Cassirer, where it has remained on public display ever since. |
| Location History: | The Chronological Location History of the painting is rather long. In c.1490 (Haarlem, Netherlands)It was painted by Geertgen tot Sint Jans, likely for private devotional use in the Netherlands. After the devotional use it traveled in c. 1900 to (Paris, France) The painting was purchased by the prominent Berlin art collector Richard von Kaufmann. By theEarly 20th Century (Berlin, Germany) Maintained by the Kaufmann family. During its time in Berlin, the painting suffered historical fire damage, which caused the dark areas of the paint to blister. After all the hazard , In 1917 (Berlin, Germany) the was sold at the von Kaufmann estate auction to collector Michiel Onnes. From 1917–1923 (Breukelen, Netherlands) it Housed at the Castle of Nijenrode by Michiel Onnes.1923–1925 (Amsterdam, Netherlands) then again Sold at auction and held by the ironfounder and collector Hans Tietje.1925–Present (London, United Kingdom) Purchased by the National Gallery through the art dealer Cassirer, where it has remained on public display ever since. |
This artwork is the definition of intimate moment. The way the baby Christ becomes the source of light in an otherwise dark space would make one think about hope and comfort appearing in simple moments. The figures surrounding him seem calm and reflective, which gives the painting a peaceful and almost personal feeling rather than something dramatic or distant.
Information Compiled by
Alolika Roy