Nativity with Angels 1609 - 1664

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, or Il Grechetto, created this ink and watercolor wash drawing called Nativity with Angels in the 17th century. Castiglione lived during a time of religious and political upheaval. Religious narratives like the Nativity, took on new meanings amidst the struggles of the Counter-Reformation. Here, Mary is not a passive figure, but an active participant in the divine moment. Her upward gaze and open posture suggest a conscious acceptance of her role, rather than a submissive one. The cherubic angels, rendered in delicate washes, evoke a sense of ethereal beauty. Yet, their presence also prompts questions about the role of innocence and purity in a world marked by violence and oppression. The image captures a moment of profound intimacy and vulnerability, reminding us of the human dimensions of faith and the power of art to give voice to those on the margins.