Hans Memling ca. 1433 – 1494

The Nativity

oil on panel (29 × 21 cm) — c. 1470-1472 Museum für Angewandte Kunst, Cologne

Hans Memling biography

This work is linked to Luke 2:7

Mary prayes for her new-born son. Joseph appears to be under the impression of all the light. In the back, an ox watches the scene.

The pillar on the left refers to the pillar to which Jesus would later be tied in order to be flagellated.

In the background on the right a city gate can be seen. Joseph and Mary had to spend the night outside the city because of the buzz caused by the census the Romans had ordered.

This nice panel by Memling is considered to have been the central part of a triptych.

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