The Nativity
| Support Type: | Canvas |
| Paint Type: | Oil Paint |
| Current Location: | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
| Location History: | An identical painting, probably the original version seen by Federico Borromeo, is now in the Museo del Prado in Madrid and it was donated in 1605 to Margaret of Austria, Queen of Spain, by Francesco Maria Della Rovere, Duke of Urbino. |
Federico Baocci was a 16th century Italian Mannerist painter known for his extraordinary style of using warm colours and creating religious masterpieces. The above painting ‘The Nativity’ describes the scene of the birth of Jesus Christ. An ox and a donkey are visible in this painting, these two animals are shown enchanted by the radiance of Baby Jesus, who is slept in the manger, which gives a domestic setting. Mother Mary is illuminated by the Holy light of the Christ and she is shown welcoming him with open arms, in a tender and grateful manner. Jesus Christ’s father, Joseph is seen behind announcing the birth of the Christ to the shepherds on the extreme side of the art work. A basket of bread is below along with grains. There is also a metal ring evident only when observed carefully that has engraving of zodiac signs, hinting at the cosmological significance of the divine event. It is said that this painting was inspired by the artist’s personal religious beliefs. Barocci considered this painting to be one of his most precious belongings, which is why a copy of it was presumably kept in the Archbishop’s Palace.