The Nativity c. 1497 - 1503

"The Nativity" is a late 15th-century painting by an anonymous artist, now housed in the Städel Museum. Depicting the traditional scene of the birth of Jesus, the artwork showcases Mary kneeling in prayer over the infant Jesus while Joseph stands behind her, holding a candle. The oxen and ass, symbols of humility and toil, look on from the left side of the painting. The inclusion of a pastoral landscape in the background, with a figure playing the flute, adds a sense of calm and serenity to the scene. This painting exemplifies the characteristic use of strong colors and detailed figures common in the art of the Late Middle Ages, as well as the religious focus of artwork during this period.