Nativity

painting by Barocci

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July 1, 2026

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Federico Barocci's Nativity (1597) is a painting that depicts the birth of Jesus. The theme of the Nativity in art, which portrays the newborn Jesus with the Virgin Mary and other figures, has a long and varied history, dating back to the 4th century CE.1

Barocci, a painter of the central Italian school and a precursor to the Baroque style, was known for his warmth of feeling and tenderness of expression. His Nativity is noted for its exquisite beauty and is one of his famous paintings on the theme of the Madonna. The painting likely follows traditional iconography for the Nativity, which has evolved over centuries, often including figures like the Virgin Mary, Jesus, an ox, an ass, shepherds, and the Magi.21

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Federico Barocci
… (1579) and the exquisitely beautiful Nativity (1597). Barocci was unusual in the Mannerist period for his numerous and extremely sensitive life drawings. His distinctive use of colour is central Italian in origin—pale, fugitive colours blended chiefly from vermilion pinks, mother-of-pearl whites, and grays.
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… (1579) and the exquisitely beautiful Nativity (1597). Barocci was unusual in the Mannerist period for his numerous and extremely sensitive life drawings. His distinctive use of colour is central Italian in origin—pale, fugitive colours blended chiefly from vermilion pinks, mother-of-pearl whites, and grays.
Read More