Another Nativity painting is the one I share with you today, done by Bartolo di Fredi, (1330-1410) an artist of the 14th century, whose work was mostly done for the Cathedral of Siena and other churches in the same city, many of whom unfortunately have been destroyed. The one above is an elaboration of the second one, displayed hereunder. As you can see when comparing them, the idea is similar, but the first one has various significant additions. In particular, I point out to you the scene on top, where you can see the entire journey of the Three Kings, meeting together, travelling in a retinue, meeting Herod as he inquires of them cunningly about the child, and then escaping from a different route. A major part of the painting in the lower part shows the three Kings humbly adoring the child Jesus as Joseph received one of the gifts and Mary holds baby Jesus in her arms. A retinue of attendants are seen looking on, as well as the horses almost inquisitively wanting to be a part of this historic moment.
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Both
of them are dated 1380-1390 approximately and are made with tempera and gold
on wood. The first one is displayed at the Pinacoteca Nazionale of Siena. The
second one is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Stay tuned for more Nativity paintings between now and Christmas. Please do enlarge each painting to see more details.
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