Nativity Scene with Saints by Anonymous

Nativity Scene with Saints

c. 14th century

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Artwork details

Dimensions
218 × 146.4 × 4 cm (85 13/16 × 57 5/8 × 1 9/16 in.) right panel: 23.4 cm (9 3/16 in.) left panel: 23.8 cm (9 3/8 in.) with cradle and mount: 221 × 146.4 × 4 cm (87 × 57 5/8 × 1 9/16 in.) center panel: 186 × 98 × 4 cm, (73 1/4 × 38 9/16 × 1 9/16 in.), 16 kg
Location
Harvard Art Museums
Copyright
CC0 1.0

About this artwork

Editor: This striking altarpiece, "Nativity Scene with Saints," is by an anonymous artist. The gold leaf is so prominent! What can you tell me about this artwork? Curator: The anonymity itself speaks volumes. Consider the socio-political context: who had the power to be remembered, to sign their work? This piece invites us to consider the labor, often unacknowledged, that upholds cultural narratives. The Nativity is not just a religious scene; it’s a representation of power, gender roles, and societal expectations. How does the composition reinforce or challenge these ideas? Editor: I see. It's so much more than just a depiction of the birth of Jesus. Thank you! Curator: Indeed, looking closer helps us see whose stories are told and whose are left out.

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