Italian School, Nativity, 18th Century, Oil on Canvas

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Oil on canvas. Central Italian School, early 18th century. The large scene depicts the Nativity of Jesus in the Bethlehem … Read more Oil on canvas. Central Italian School, early 18th century. The large scene depicts the Nativity of Jesus in the Bethlehem cave, completely dark, from which human figures emerge with varying degrees of brightness. The Child, in the arms of his Mother, who is wrapping him in swaddling clothes, focuses all the light on himself, which then radiates onto the other figures: Mary, a co-protagonist of the event, is completely bathed in it, while Joseph and the other figures, visiting shepherds, are partially illuminated, their faces emerging from the darkness. The ox, in the right foreground, is left in the darkness; as an animal, it is not a beneficiary of the salvation brought by Jesus. Joseph's position and role are remarkable: he is also placed in the central foreground like Mary and Jesus, and above all, he is actively engaged in a dialogue with the visiting woman, rather than being left in the background, as is customary, engaged only in contemplation of his family. The painting has been restored and relined in the past. It is presented in a period frame. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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