Nativity 1520

Hans Baldung's "Nativity" (1520) is a German Renaissance oil painting depicting the birth of Jesus in a stable setting. The scene is dominated by a strong sense of realism with detailed depictions of animals and figures, including the ox, donkey, and Joseph, as well as a dramatic, crumbling architectural background. The light source is depicted as a celestial body above the figures, signifying the divine nature of the event. This work is a prime example of Baldung's signature style, characterized by its use of vivid colors and meticulous detail, often incorporating elements of the grotesque and macabre. Today, this iconic artwork hangs in the Alte Pinakothek museum in Munich, Germany.