Scuola veneto-cretese (XVII) - Natività di Cristo - NO RESERVE

An antique painting, oil on panel, from the 17th century, depicting the Nativity of Christ. Interesting devotional composition depicting the Nativity of Christ, set in a rustic shelter and centered on the figure of the infant Jesus, laid in the manger and wrapped in a white drapery. At the sides stand the Virgin, kneeling in adoration, and Saint Joseph, depicted with his head inclined toward the Child. In the background, the ox and the donkey watch the scene, while above two little angels emerge from a luminous cloud, alluding to the divine manifestation and the annunciation of the birth of the Savior. The work stands out for a figurative language characterized by simplification of volumes, pronounced linearity of drawing, and incisive rendering of draperies, articulated in angular folds and contrasted highlights. The color palette, dominated by warm tones of red, ochre, and brown, paired with the grays and whites of the garments, contributes to giving the scene an intense narrative and devotional immediacy. The compositional setup and formal characteristics of the painting suggest a reference to the Veneto-Cretan figurative tradition, in which Byzantine-origin iconographic culture blends with elements of Western painting. The concise rendering of the figures, the treatment of drapery, and the construction of the scene recall that milieu, pointing toward a placement within the Veneto-Cretan school of the 17th century. A painting of historical and devotional interest, expression of a Mediterranean artistic tradition in which figurative models of Byzantine origin persist, reinterpreted through Western sensibilities and compositional approaches. The work presents itself in overall fairly good condition, with signs of aging consistent with its age. There are some scattered restoration points, as well as retouching and cracks in the painted surface, which however do not compromise the legibility of the depiction. The craquelure is uniform and attributable to the period, with no signs of active detachment. The wooden support shows a slight curvature of the panel, along with signs and wear consistent with its ancient conservation history. Overall the work is solid, well preserved, and with a coherent historic patina that testifies to its authenticity and natural conservational evolution over time. The painting is accompanied by a beautiful lacquered frame of classic taste but relatively recent era. Minor defects, missing parts and signs of time are noted. The frame is included as a courtesy and does not form an integral part of the artwork; any damage to it will not be grounds for a complaint or order cancellation. Dimensions of the painting: 55 x 44.5 cm - Dimensions of the frame: 70 x 61 cm The work is accompanied by a photographic certificate of authenticity, as required by current law. Shipping with insured express courier and packaging carried out with maximum care.

Estimate:£670.07

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