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The Nativity with Donors and Saints Jerome and Leonard

Gerard David Netherlandish
ca. 1510–15
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 636

David depicts the birth of Christ in the manger as a scene running continuously across all three panels, although the donor figures are kept distinct from the sacred protagonists. Despite the joyful moment depicted, the figures all wear somber expressions, foreshadowing Christ’s eventual suffering and death. The two donors, who are presented by Saints Jerome and Leonard, have remained unidentified. They could have been called Anthony and Catherine, since they are painted with the attributes (such as the pig, sword, and spiked wheel) of saints with these names.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Nativity with Donors and Saints Jerome and Leonard
  • Artist: Gerard David (Netherlandish, Oudewater ca. 1455–1523 Bruges)
  • Date: ca. 1510–15
  • Medium: Oil on canvas, transferred from wood
  • Dimensions: Central panel 35 1/2 x 28 in. (90.2 x 71.1 cm); each wing 35 1/2 x 12 3/8 in. (90.2 x 31.4 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Jules Bache Collection, 1949
  • Object Number: 49.7.20a–c
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Studies of ten (?) heads and two ears (recto); Studies of three figures and a head (verso), Gerard David Netherlandish, Metalpoint on prepared paper; verso: black chalk
Studies of ten (?) heads and two ears (recto); Studies of three figures and a head (verso)
Gerard David
ca. 1498
Virgin and Child, Gerard David Netherlandish, Oil on oak panel, Netherlandish
Virgin and Child
Gerard David
1490–1523
The Annunciation, Gerard David Netherlandish, Tempera on parchment
The Annunciation
Gerard David
ca. 1510
Holy Face, Gerard David Netherlandish, Tempera and gold leaf on parchment that has been trimmed and laid down on thin walnut
Holy Face
Gerard David
ca. 1485–90
Archangel Gabriel; The Virgin Annunciate, Gerard David Netherlandish, Oil on oak panel
Archangel Gabriel; The Virgin Annunciate
Gerard David
ca. 1510

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