Nativity, with the Journey of the Magi and St. Jerome
Giacomo del Maino
(Italian, Milan, active 1469–1498)
about 1490
Object PlaceMilan, Italy
Medium/TechniqueWood
DimensionsOverall: 102.9 x 61 x 10.5 cm (40 1/2 x 24 x 4 1/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. John Templeman Coolidge
Accession number46.1423
On View
On viewClassificationsSculpture
Collections
This is a rare survival of a complete sculptural ensemble, as the reliefs of the Nativity and of Saint Jerome in prayer are still in their original frame. The sculpture was probably made for a private chapel or home. It displays the expressive carving embellished by splendid painting and gilding that is typical of wood sculpture from Lombardy, in northern Italy. Full of charming details, the main panel also includes scenes showing the Annunciation to the Shepherds and the Journey of the Magi.
Provenance16th century, probably Carlo da Rho (d. 1553) and Paola Visconti (d. after 1558), Milan [see note 1]. John Templeman Coolidge (b. 1856 - d. 1945) and Abigail Parsons Coolidge (b. 1878 - d. 1964), Boston; 1946, gift of Mrs. J. Templeman Coolidge to the MFA. (Accession date: December 12, 1946)Notes:
[1] On the reverse of the panel are the coats of arms of the Visconti and da Rho families. This is the only known union between the two families.
Giovanni Angelo del Maino
about 1520
Domenico Beccafumi (Domenico di Giacomo di Pace)