Nativity
This painting was previously attributed to Honthorst, the Dutch painter of biblical, mythological and genre scenes who spent ten years in Italy where he was greatly inspired by the work of Caravaggio (1573-1610). However, its style suggests that it was probably painted in Italy soon after 1600. The artist - as yet unidentified - has relied on the Renaissance tradition of night scenes rather than the more obvious Caravaggist approach. The treatment of the figures and fall of light point to an artist more familiar with the Italian style. The Nativity is one of the most commonly depicted scenes in art history. The inclusion of a manger in the scene did not appear until images from the 13th century, and it was only from the 16th century that artists gave particular prominence to the shepherds and wise men visiting the stable.
