The Nativity 1570 - 1631

"The Nativity" is a 17th-century etching by Jacob Matham, a Dutch printmaker born in 1571. The work depicts the traditional Christian scene of the birth of Jesus Christ, with Mary and Joseph kneeling in adoration before the newborn baby. The image is dominated by an angel, accompanied by two cherubs, floating above the scene in the sky. The engraving is a fine example of Matham's mastery of the medium and captures the tenderness and awe of the Nativity. The detailed figures, the dramatic use of light and shadow, and the graceful flow of the angel's wings contribute to the scene's emotional impact.