The Christmas Story in Renaissance Art

You've sung the carols, and you've sent the cards, but how well do you actually know the Nativity? The Christmas story has inspired some of the most affectionate, gentle, and intimate images in the history of Western art. They bring to life the story of Christ's birth, 'the Nativity', first told of in the New Testament gospels of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke. Equally as beautiful are the paintings that depict the events leading up to and following miraculous birth. The manner in which the Christmas story was portrayed in Renaissance art dramatically evolved over time, mirroring changes in society and shifts in religious attitudes. Its depiction moved from a narrow, sacred vision of mother and child to a full-blown cast of humans and animals persisting into modern times. Join Renaissance art historian Elaine Ruffolo for a festive presentation: The Christmas Story in Renaissance Art.