The Nativity

Martin Schongauer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a nativity scene featuring animals and architectural arches. The scene is depicted under a gothic arch ruin with brick and stonework detail. Vines climb over the arches. The setting shows a child resting on a draped cloth, surrounded by a calf and a donkey. Above the arch, ethereal figures appear. The shading and use of line create depth, showing the artist's skill in creating a sense of depth and texture in this monochrome depiction.