The Nativity (1863)

Dated 1863, "The Nativity" is an artwork by Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones. Context for 1863: Japanese prints reached Europe in large numbers and influenced many artists, while photography changed what painting needed to do. In the 1890s, colour lithography and Art Nouveau made the illustrated poster a celebrated art form. It is listed in the Religion collection. The image is in portrait orientation. Background on Religion: Buddhist painting, Hindu devotional imagery, and Islamic calligraphy and ornament each have conventions of their own. Religious painting is among the largest bodies of art ever made, from altarpieces, icons, and illuminated manuscripts to devotional prints.

Buying "The Nativity" means getting a digital file, not a physical print: Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI, delivered by email once payment is confirmed. A 300 DPI file is intended for printing at home or at a local print shop, where you can choose a matte, satin, or fine-art paper to suit the room. A portrait format suits narrow wall spaces, hallways, and the area beside a door or window. A simple frame with a mat often helps an image settle comfortably into a room. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour. Choosing a standard frame size and printing to fit it often saves the cost of custom framing. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks.

English, 1833–1898

If you like the visual language of Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.