Birth of the Virgin

Filippo Bellini (1550/55-1604), pen and brown ink, with brown wash, heightened with white, on paper toned with reddish-brown wash, c. 1590-1595

This scene looks homely and friendly. In the foreground, Anna and her newborn daughter Mary are being assisted by two midwives, while a meal is being prepared in the background and a dog is given the opportunity to lick a plate clean. This late 16th-century drawing was made in a period when religious subjects were often depicted in an environment that resembled contemporary everyday life.

  • Artwork typedrawing
  • Object numberRP-T-1889-A-2131
  • Dimensionsheight 386 mm x width 267 mm