Nativity of Jesus

Lorenzo di Credi painted this Nativity of Jesus around 1500 in Florence. Di Credi was Leonardo's closest fellow pupil in Verrocchio's workshop, and his conservative style preserved the master's early lessons without Leonardo's restless experimentation. His Nativities are marked by a quiet devotional quality and smooth, refined technique. The oil medium allowed for rich tonal transitions and glazed layers of color that created luminous depth impossible with the older tempera technique. Such devotional panels served both liturgical contexts in churches and chapels and private devotional use in the homes of wealthy families who maintained personal altars and oratories.

Oil on panel with di Credi's characteristically smooth, enamel-like surface and precise drawing. The Nativity scene displays the refined technique and gentle devotional mood that made his works popular in Florentine churches.