The Nativity, 1504
Albrecht Dürerexpand_more
Engravingexpand_more
Bequest of Herschel V. Jonesexpand_more P.68.141
Not on Viewexpand_more
The beautiful architecture and scenery of this print hide significant symbolic meanings associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. The dilapidated state of the buildings and the vegetation sprouting from the ruins signify the birth of the new amidst the decay of the old. The draw-well and broken pitcher allude to not only the purity of the Virgin, but also to the waters of Paradise and the sacrament of Baptism. Yet while the inclusion of symbolic meaning is typical for nativity scenes of the period, Dürer's mastery of perspective was definitely unique and remarkable.
Details
- Title
- The Nativity
- Artist Life
- 1471–1528
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.68.141
- Provenance
- Wm. Roscoe (L. 2645), 1816; Wm. Sharp (L. 2650), 1878 £7/10/-; Stuttgart Museum (L. 2325); Schröter (L. 2270); C. G. Boerner; Bressler & Co., 1925
- Catalogue Raisonne
- B.2; M.2 b/g; Holl. 2; D.38
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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