Something Beautiful

Nativity

The traditional elements of a true Nativity are: Mary, Christ Child, Joseph; ox, and donkey. One or more angels are also often present.

Nativity, 1308-11, by Duccio di Buoninsegna (complex)

Nativity, 1383, by Master Bertram (panel from Grabow Altarpiece)

The Nativity, ca. 1445, Filippo Lippi and Workshop

Nativity, 1452, by Petrus Christus

Nativity, 1460s, by Giovanni di Paolo

Nativity, 1470-72, by Hans Memling

Nativity, 1475-1500, by Hans Memling

Nativity, 1475-1500, by Unknown Master, Flemish

The Nativity, at Night, late 15th century;

Nativity, at Night, 1484-90, by Geertgen tot Sint Jans*

Nativity, 1523, by Lorenzo Lotto

The Nativity, 1650s, by Nicolas Poussin

The Nativity with God the Father and the Holy Ghost, ca. 1740, Giovanni Battista Pittoni

Nativities (true)

The Web has enabled me to pursue my education in art history in ways that would never have been possible before its invention and popularization. It was thus only a few years ago that I learned not to lump all Christmas nativity scenes into one giant category but instead to differentiate among:

(1) Nativity;
(2) Adoration of the Shepherds; and
(3) Adoration of the Magi.

I hope to post links to examples of each during the coming weeks.

The irreducible three elements of a true Nativity are Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child, with the latter often resting in a manger. Three additional elements are not essential but are traditionally present: a donkey, an ox, and one or more angels. The simplest Nativities of which I am aware are:

Nativity, by Lorenzo Costa, c. 1500 (?); and
Nativity, by sculptor Michel Anguier, c. 1665.

In contrast to those are such complex -- one might almost say "busy" -- depictions as this:

Nativity by Antoniazzo Romano, c. 1480.

Christmas Story (in art)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has a special page on the Christmas Story in art. The page presents the story itself, as illustrated by 12 excellent works of art.

Begin doing what you want to do

"Begin doing what you want to do now.  We are not living in eternity.  We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake."  - Sir Francis Bacon

Worth listening to

I haven't been able to verify this yet, but earlier today I read the following quote, presumably attributable to e. e. cummings:

We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that something deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch.

Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.

Why We Think Nature Beautiful

This lecture-exhibit, titled Why We Think Nature Beautiful, has been on the Web for years. During all that time, I've been intending to read it. I haven't done so yet, but I'm still hoping to. In the meantime, I'm glad it's still here.

Maestà (Duccio)

I'm thinking of doing a study here of the Maestà (1308-11) by Duccio di Buoninsegna. For an idea of just what a good idea that might be, take a look at the front and back of this complex, extraordinary work of art.

What really matters

I'd like to spend some time mulling over this piece on How to focus on what really matters.

Burnet Psalter

We have the privilege of viewing each leaf of the Burnet Psalter, 15th century, online. The initial leaf of the psalter proper is here, where the miniature that accompanies Psalm 1 shows an elderly King David playing his harp for the Lord.

The Nativity (with Prophets), by Duccio

The Nativity with the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel. Painted for the Cathedral of Siena in 1308-11 -- but now at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Seeing America

The art museum at the University of Rochester has placed online the entire contents of its wonderful book, Seeing America.

van der Vliet Online

I love architectural art, of the kind done by Dutch Baroque era artist Hendrik Cornelisz van der Vliet. (Yes, his church interiors are very reminiscent of Saenredam's.)

In praise of things past

A blog called Laudator Temporis Acti.

Thoreau's cabin

The site of Thoreau's cabin was discovered in 1945. If you're a Thoreau fan, you'll enjoy some of the other photos at this site too.

Hannah Arendt's Grave, at Bard Cemetery

I was surprised to learn that one of my heroes, philosopher Hannah Arendt (1906-1975), is buried in a small cemetery at Bard College, only about 20 minutes from where I live.

Medieval Glosses

I like these leaves of medieval manuscripts which show a variety of medieval glosses.

National Gallery, London: Room 51

The much-revamped site for the National Gallery, London, permits us to visit the NGL room by room.  A logical place to start would be Room 51, which contains the NGL's earliest works, 1250-1350. All Italian and mostly quite wonderful. 

An Old Woman Sewing

This painting is "homely," but still quite a lovely work -- An Old Woman Sewing, 1655, by Johannes van der Aack. 

Pavarotti masterclass

What a lovely video this is -- Pavarotti masterclass. Short, sweet. Don't miss it.

Caravaggio (at the NGL)

I happened upon Supper at Emmaus, by Caravaggio, owned by the National Gallery, London. It might not look all that special at first. If you use the zoom, however, you'll see that the tableau is to die for. Look for the water pitcher, as just one example.

(Note: The National Gallery is having an exhibition titled Corot to Monet: A Fresh Look at Landscape, but I'm having some trouble finding images to suggest to you.)