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Girolamo Romanino, 'The Nativity', about 1524

About the work

Overview

This is the central panel of Romanino’s high altarpiece for S. Alessandro in Brescia. The high altar was the responsibility of the Confraternity of Corpus Christi – a lay brotherhood which venerated the body of Christ – so this depiction of Christ was of central importance. It would have been placed directly above the tabernacle in which the Eucharist was kept.

The church was dedicated to Saint Alexander, whose relics were kept there, and to the Virgin Mary, mother of God, so she also has a prominent position. Her mantle is embroidered with gold fleur-de-lis ornaments, the symbol of Saint Alexander.

Mary and her husband Joseph kneel in adoration before the infant Christ. The scene is watched by the ox and donkey and by a throng of rejoicing baby angels. Two of them hold an inscribed scroll, suggesting the annunciation of Christ’s birth to the shepherds, who appear in the middle distance among their sheep.

Key facts

Details

Full title
The Nativity
Artist dates
about 1484 - about 1560
Date made
about 1524
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
265 × 117.2 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1857
Inventory number
NG297.1
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Frame
19th-century Italian Frame

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

Images

About the group: High Altarpiece, S. Alessandro, Brescia

Overview

Romanino made this painting for the high altar of Sant' Alessandro in Brescia. It may have been commissioned by the Confraternity of Corpus Christi – a lay brotherhood which venerated the body of Christ – who were responsible for the high altar.

The central panel shows the Nativity, with Mary and Joseph kneeling before the infant Christ. On either side, panels depict Saint Alexander (lower left) and Saint Jerome (lower right). Above them are Saint Gaudioso (upper left) and Saint Filippo Benizzi (upper right.)

The painting originally had a crowning panel of the dead Saviour supported by the Virgin and Saint John. It also had large canvas shutters to protect it – The Annunciation was painted on the outside of the shutters, and on the inside was The Adoration of the Magi. The elaborate frame of the altarpiece, made by the woodcarver Stefano Lamberti, which would have formed a fundamental part of it, is now missing.

Works in the group

This is the central panel of Romanino’s high altarpiece for S. Alessandro in Brescia. The high altar was the responsibility of the Confraternity of Corpus Christi – a lay brotherhood which venerated the body of Christ – so this depiction of Christ was of central importance. It would have been pla...
Not on display
This painting is part of Romanino’s high altarpiece for S. Alessandro in Brescia. It is situated beside the main panel of the Nativity.Saint Alexander was patron saint of Brescia and the church was dedicated to him. His position on the holy family’s right-hand side puts him in the place of honour...
Not on display
This painting is part of Romanino’s high altarpiece for S. Alessandro in Brescia. It is situated to the right of the main panel of the Nativity and shows the theologian, priest and historian, Saint Jerome (347–420), who lived in Constantinople and Rome.Saint Jerome holds a crucifix and beats his...
Not on display
This painting is part of Romanino’s high altarpiece for S. Alessandro in Brescia. It depicts Saint Gaudioso and is situated to the left of an image of the Nativity, above a panel of Saint Alexander.Saint Gaudioso was included in the altarpiece as he was a fifth-century bishop of Brescia. He died...
Not on display
This painting is part of Romanino’s high altarpiece for S. Alessandro in Brescia. It depicts Saint Filippo Benizzi and is situated to the right of an image of the Nativity, above a panel of Saint Jerome.Saint Filippo Benizzi (1233–1285) was born in Florence. He became fifth general of the Order o...
Not on display