Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History


    • The Nativity with Donors and Saints Jerome and Leonard, ca. 1510–15
    Gerard David (Netherlandish, ca. 1455–1523)
    Oil on canvas, transferred from wood

    Central panel 35 1/2 x 28 in. (90.2 x 71.1 cm); each wing 35 1/2 x 12 3/8 in. (90.2 x 31.4 cm)
    The Jules Bache Collection, 1949 (49.7.20a–c)

    In a characteristically Netherlandish treatment of the Nativity, David focuses our attention on the mystery of the Incarnation—that is, Christ's birth and sacrifice for the redemption of mankind. The sheaf of grain parallel to the manger refers to John 6:41: "I am the bread which came down from Heaven." Woodland scenes, originally on the reverse of the wings, are now in the Mauritshuis, The Hague.

    Related


    This work has been published in the Museum's Bulletin or Journal. These articles may or may not represent the most current scholarship.
  • Ainsworth, Maryan W. "Intentional Alterations of Early Netherlandish Paintings." Metropolitan Museum Journal, Vol. 40 (2005).
    JSTOR | PDF
  • Bauman, Guy. "Early Flemish Portraits 1425–1525." The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 43, no. 4 (Spring, 1986).
    JSTOR | PDF | Supplemental PDFs
    • "Director's Note" PDF
  • Salinger, Margaretta M. "An Annunciation by Gerard David." Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, New ser., v. 9, no. 9 (May, 1951)
    JSTOR | PDF
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    • The Nativity with Donors and Saints Jerome and Leonard, ca. 1510–15
    Gerard David (Netherlandish, ca. 1455–1523)
    Oil on canvas, transferred from wood

    Central panel 35 1/2 x 28 in. (90.2 x 71.1 cm); each wing 35 1/2 x 12 3/8 in. (90.2 x 31.4 cm)
    The Jules Bache Collection, 1949 (49.7.20a–c)

    Detail of left wing showing Saint Jerome and a male donor.

    Detail of right wing showing Saint Leonard and a female donor.


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