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1.
The Adoration of the Shepherds, Anonymous Italo-Flemish artist,
(c. 1560)
Illustrating another Christmas theme, The Adoration of the Shepherds
shows Christ’s nativity, but set in what look like Roman ruins.
Although the scene has been transposed from a stable, the ox and the
ass are still present, as are the shepherds, who offer their gifts
to the newborn child.
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2.
Virgin and Child, school of Giotto di Bondone (1267 - 1337)
Giotto is traditionally celebrated as founder of the Italian Renaissance.
He worked in Padua, Assisi, Rimini and Florence, with his frescoes
in Santa Croce in Florence being most highly regarded for their representations
of space and the psychological drama of his figures. His works mark
the dawning of new age in art, to be followed by the artists represented
in this gallery. This work has been variously attributed to Giotto
and a number of his followers. Of very early date, it is nevertheless
of a high quality in its luminosity and emotion.
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3.
Drawings by Michelangelo and Raphael
The Ashmolean Museum’s world-famous collection of drawings by
Michelangelo and Raphael is housed in the Western Art Print Room (tel
01865 278049), but there are always some on open display in the Tapestry
Gallery. The works currently on display include this ideal head by
Michelangelo. Unlike Raphael, whose drawings were mainly sketches
for grander schemes, Michelangelo produced painstakingly worked drawings,
like this one, as artworks in their own right. He would then give
them as testimonies of friendship and love to his closest friends.
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