The nativity with donors and Saints Jerome and Vincent

David, Gerard (ca. 1460-1523)

Item type:

painting

Date of creation:

15th century

Height:

90.2 cm  (35 1/2 in.)

Width:

71.1 cm  (28 in.)

Each wing: 90.2 x 31.4

Technique / Medium:

oil on panel transferred to canvas

Place of creation:

Brugge (België)

School:

Netherlandish

Description

On the central panel: The Nativity scene, in the background (outside) shepherd holding bagpipe; above the Nativity scene angels praying and blessing: on the right wing Saint Jerome and Saint Vincent; on the left wing: donors, a women kneeling, behind her a man standing.
n a characteristically Netherlandish treatment of the Nativity, David focuses attention on the mystery of the Incarnation—that is, Christ's birth and sacrifice for the redemption of mankind. Despite the joyful moment depicted, the figures all wear somber expressions, foreshadowing Christ’s eventual suffering and sacrifice. The sheaf of grain parallel to the manger refers to John 6:41: "I am the bread which came down from Heaven." The two donors, who are presented by Saints Jerome and Leonard, have remained unidentified. They could have been called Catherine and Anthony, since they are painted with the attributes of saints with these names.

People as subjects

St. Jerome (ca. 342-420)
St. Vincent of Saragossa (died ca. 304)
Jesus Christ

Instruments [MIMO Code] (notes)

Bagpipe [3746]

RIdIM images

Image URLs

image link 1

RIdIM record id

3817