Nativity of Christ, Federico Barocci, 1597

Description of the picture:

Nativity of Christ – Federico Barocci. 1597. Oil on canvas. 134×105   Barocci (1535-1612) inherited the artistic skill from his own father – an architect, uncle – a designer and great-grandfather – a famous Milanese sculptor. Barocci formed in the Roman circle of followers of Raphael, is a painter of the late mannerism era.   “Nativity” stands among the delightful paintings of Barocci on a religious plot. The master assigns to the church painting the immediacy of sensory influence. In the background of the canvas, St. Joseph opens the door to the shepherds, but this detail only emphasizes the proximity of the Mother of God and the baby to the viewer. The image of Maria is pretty and graceful, her face covered by a specific haze of chiaroscuro, seems to be puppet. The pillow and the colorful bedspread, the pink and saffron robes of the Virgin sparkle in the light coming not from the outside, but from the baby Christ. The master shows his own unique style with spectacular cool color polyester and black and white contrasts, anticipating the proto-bar trends."