The Adoration of the Christ Child (work of art)
Artwork Info
Key Ideas about this Work of Art
- Humanism is an attitude that focuses on human interests over religion. This attitude was popular during Titian’s lifetime, and he often represented humanist values in his paintings. Even though this is a biblical scene, none of the figures are depicted wearing a halo. This artistic choice makes the figures look more like ordinary people than divine beings.
- The Renaissance was an era beginning in 14th-century Italy. It is characterized by a renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture. The period lasted over 300 years. Many well-known artists lived during this time, including Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael.
- Titian was an Italian painter during the 16th century. He is best known for his delicate use of color. He lived in Venice, which was a major hub for art and culture during the Renaissance.
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This panel is one of the earliest paintings ascribed by most Titian scholars to Titian. The subject derives from a mystical vision of the Nativity of Christ by Bridget of Sweden (1303–77), an influential nun who recounted seeing the infant Jesus “lying on the earth, naked and glowing in the greatest of neatness.” Titian accordingly depicted Christ’s body as emitting enough light to cause Joseph’s yellow cloak to glow.
The thick brushstrokes and complex layering of colors—remarkable in a panel of this size—were to become hallmarks of the mature Titian, regarded as one of the great colorists in the history of art.
Additional Resources
Resources for Teachers
- Read an essay about Titian’s life and work.
- Watch a video about the artist’s early years in Venice.
- Read an essay about depictions of Jesus’s life during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Resources for Students
- Watch a video about Titian’s painting technique.
- Watch a video to discover how red pigment was made during the artist’s lifetime.
- View a collection of paintings by the artist.