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The Nativity

c. 1457

Jaume Ferrer the Younger

(Spanish, Catalonia died c. 1460/70)
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Culture
Spain, Catalonia, 15th century
Medium
oil, tempera, and gold on wood panel (fir)
Measurements
Framed: 187.3 x 139.1 x 14 cm (73 3/4 x 54 3/4 x 5 1/2 in.); Unframed: 172.7 x 124.4 cm (68 x 49 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Francis Ginn, Marian Ginn Jones, Barbara Ginn Griesinger, and Alexander Ginn in memory of Frank Hadley Ginn and Cornelia Root Ginn 1953.660.2
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
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Description

This painting is believed to be a remaining component of a six-panel altarpiece. The large central panel is now preserved in the Museu National d’Art de Catalunya in Barcelona. Ferrer collaborated with the painter Pere Garcia de Benavarri on this commission. Spanish works like these often feature elaborate treatment of the gold background, evident here in the exuberant raised decoration (called pastiglia) in the haloes. As a symbol of his dominion over the world, Christ holds an orb in his left hand; he bestows a blessing with his right hand. The Virgin kneels above him in rapt adoration. Using the wattle fence almost as a church pew, two shepherds express humble piety; one removes his hat and the other clasps his hands in prayer.
A vertically oriented painting using oil, tempera, and gold leaf depicts the Nativity with light skin tones. Centered, the Christ child lies upon a yellow cloth. To our left, Mary, in a monogrammed blue cloak, and Joseph face him behind stone steps. To our right, two shepherds lean over a woven fence. Behind, an ox and donkey stand beneath a thatched roof while an ornate gold scrollwork panel crowns the composition above a muted landscape.

The Nativity

c. 1457

Jaume Ferrer the Younger

(Spanish, Catalonia died c. 1460/70)
Spain, Catalonia, 15th century

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