# Nativity \(detail\) [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [SCHONGAUER, Martin]() - Date: 1451-1500 - Technique: Oak panel ## Commentary The Nativity is set in a stable, which consist of a few beams and a leaking roof leaning against a dilapidated building. Between the supporting beams the view opens out to a green summery expanse of rolling hills, with a river or a lake and a town in the distance. The oldest shepherd, who has gray hair, kneels close to the child. he is followed by a somewhat younger man with a straw hat and a flute in his hands. The third shepherd is standing, slightly bent forward, holding in one hand the horn with which he calls his cattle and his dogs. Before the shepherds we see the ox and the ass, who, according to tradition, shared the stable with the Holy Family. This is an allusion to the symbolism which saw the ox and the ass as embodiments of the Old and the new Testament respectively. ## Related artworks - [A Foolish Virgin]() - [Adoration of the Magi]() - [Annunciate Angel]() - [Annunciate Madonna]() - [Apprentices Fighting]() - [Betrayal and Capture of Christ]() - [Carrying the Cross]() - [Censer]() - [Christ on the Cross with Four Angels]() - [Elephant]() - [Entombment]() - [Madonna and Child in a Rose Arbour]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()