Nativity of Christ with angels

This Nativity with Angels dates to about 1525, likely painted in the period just before or during Parmigianino's sojourn in Rome. The subject allowed the artist to combine his gift for intimate devotional imagery with the more dramatic possibilities of angelic presences. The Galleria Doria Pamphilj, where the work is housed, contains one of Rome's finest private art collections. Characteristic of Parmigianino's approach, the work displays extreme elegance, elongated forms, serpentine grace, refined palette.

The composition interweaves earthly and celestial figures with characteristic Mannerist fluidity. Warm golden light and delicate tonal transitions in the flesh create an atmosphere of supernatural tenderness.