Nativity 1727

Paul Ponce Antoine Robert-de-Seri’s 1727 etching “Nativity” depicts the biblical scene of the birth of Jesus. This piece, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, presents a traditional representation of the event, with Joseph, Mary, and the Christ child at the center of the composition. Surrounding them, a group of angels gaze down at the scene, further emphasizing the divinity of the newborn. Robert-de-Seri masterfully utilizes light and shadow to draw the viewer's attention to the central figures, highlighting the importance of this event. The intricate details in the figures' clothing and the surrounding environment create a sense of depth and realism within the composition.