The Nativity
studio of Master of the Female Half-Lengths (fl.1520-1540)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1525 - 1550
Materials
Oil on panel and gilt
Measurements
476 x 368 mm (18 3/4 x 14 1/2 in)
Place of origin
Netherlands
Order this imageCollection
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
NT 1246503
Caption
Gazing in holy reverence at the Christ Child, the Virgin is shown kneeling in a complex space that recedes through a series of archways towards a distant coastal landscape. Saint Joseph enters from the left, shielding the flame of a candle; a reference to the divine Light of the World that God has entrusted to the couple’s care. The work is the product of an Antwerp studio whose anonymous master produced Holy Family pictures such as this and also courtly images of ladies shown at half-length after which he is named.
Summary
Oil painting on panel, The Nativity, studio of the Master of the Female Half-Lengths (fl.1520-1540), 1525-1550. The Virgin in a dark blue robe kneels before the infant Saviour who lies on the ground on part of her robe; St Joseph, wearing a red cloak, stands at the left holding a lighted candle. Through an archway behind can be seen the shepherds; in the foreground is a broken bridge and the ox and ass.
Provenance
Derwent Hill (according to Polesden Lacey 1946 inventory); with Robert Langton Douglas (1864-1951), 1934, and probably acquired by Mrs Greville soon afterwards; The bequest of Margaret (Anderson) McEwan, The Hon. Mrs Ronald - later Dame Margaret - Henry Fulke Greville, DBE (1863-1942) from probate records linked with the donation of the property to the National Trust in 1943. This item found on the record for Polesden Lacey pictures, drawings etc., stored in the safe, page 175.
Credit line
Polesden Lacey, The McEwan Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
studio of Master of the Female Half-Lengths (fl.1520-1540), artist