The Nativity

By Zanobi Strozzi, ca. 1433–34
JPG • 3811 × 1728 PX • 2.4 MB
Curatorial Notes

Painted around 1433–1434, this work depicts the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, with the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph kneeling in adoration before the Christ Child, surrounded by golden rays symbolizing his divine nature. Above the stable, a group of angels forms a celestial arch, wearing colorful robes adorned with delicate gold decorations. The ox and donkey, traditional elements of Nativity iconography, are not directly mentioned in the Gospel accounts of Christ's birth. Originally, the painting formed part of the predella, the lower section of an altarpiece. A particularly interesting historical detail is its connection to another painting, The Adoration of the Kings, now in the National Gallery in London. Technical examinations revealed that both panels were painted on the same piece of wood, confirming their common origin. For many years, the work was attributed to Fra Angelico, but it is now considered probably by Zanobi Strozzi, a Florentine artist known for his manuscript illuminations, whose influence is evident in the rich decoration and delicate rendering of the figures.

Artwork Identification

Title The Nativity
Title (PT) A Natividade
Title (ES) La Natividad
Artist Zanobi Strozzi
Artist Bio Zanobi Strozzi (1412–1468) was an Italian painter and manuscript illuminator born in Florence into a wealthy family. He was a prominent follower of Fra Angelico and, according to Giorgio Vasari, was his pupil, although no documents confirm this relationship. He became known for his religious paintings and illuminated manuscripts, characterized by extensive use of gold, delicate colors, and detailed compositions. His only surviving signed panel painting is The Annunciation, preserved in the National Gallery in London.
Date ca. 1433–34
Work Type Painting

Location & Collection

License Creative Commons Public Domain Mark 1.0
Ars Sancta