The Nativity

In the pictureUnder a gold-leaf sky, a wooden stable stands between rocky mountains, and in its manger lies the haloed infant, giving off light. On the left Mary, in a blue mantle, kneels; on the right Joseph, in red, sits with his chin propped on his hand; behind the manger an ox and a donkey look out. Above, the angel bringing the news to the shepherds appears on a small scale.

BackgroundLorenzo Monaco was a monk-painter of the Camaldolese order in Florence, and his gracefully flowing drapery and bright colors make him a leading figure of the International Gothic style. This small panel was once a scene in the band beneath an altarpiece, and the infant who gives off his own light is an image drawn from the visions of Saint Bridget. The gray rocky mountains follow the manner of Giotto's time, but the colors are far brighter.

Puzzle tipThe picture divides into the blue mantle, the red robe, the gold sky, the gray rocks, and the brown stable. Fit the infant's glow and the two faces first, set up the center with the straight pieces of the stable, then fill in the rocks and the gold. 48 or 100 pieces suits it.