The Birth of Christ in Art Trivia Quiz

"Birth of Christ" is a panel from a large altarpiece by an unknown Czech artist of the 14th century. He was given the name Master of Hohenfurth (the German name for the Bohemian town Vyssi Brod). The altarpiece was made for the monastery of Vyssi Brod, South Bohemia around 1350.

The panels of the altarpiece are painted on wood, in tempera on a chalk background. The work shows some Italian influence. The work hangs in the National Gallery in Prague. Other panels include scenes of the Annunciation, the Adoration of the Magi, Christ on the Mount of Olives, the Crucifixion, the Lamentation, the Resurrection, the Ascension of Christ, and the Pentecost.

Hugo van der Goes was a 15th century Flemish artist and one of the most important artists of the Northern Renaissance. The "Portinari Altarpiece" is one of the famous triptych works he completed. It depicts the Adoration of the Shepherds. The altarpiece was commissioned by Tommaso Portinari for a church in his native town in Italy and now can be seen at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Fillipepi, better known as Sandro Botticelli, created the "The Mystical Nativity" around 1500, It hangs in the National Gallery in London. This painting's depiction of The Nativity has been interpreted many different ways. The inscription at the top reveals Botticelli's belief that the second coming of Christ was near, as revealed in the Book of Revelation. Also at the top are 12 angels that are thought to represent the twelve months of the year.
This is the only painting that Botticelli ever signed.

Jan Gossaert, whose name was really Jean Gossart, was in the service of Philip of Burgundy. The "Adoration of the Kings" was almost certainly commissioned by Philip's close associate Daniel van Boechout for the Chapel of Our Lady in the abbey church of St. Adrian at Geraardsbergen, Belgium. Gossaert signed the painting in two places, on Balthazar's hat and on the collar of his attendant.

Piero della Francesca used mathematical theory and geometry to create some of the most important religious paintings of the early Renaissance. His interest in mathematical theory can be seen in the precision of his figures and their spacing. "The Nativity" dates from circa. 1470. It hangs in the National Gallery in London.

"Adoration of the Shepherds" was a common subject of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Numerous painters put their vision to canvas. This particular work was done in 1730 by Sebastiano Conca. He was one of the great teachers, having established an academy in Rome in the 18th century. His work on altar pieces can be seen throughout Europe.

Michaelangelo started "Pitti Tondo" in 1503 or 1504 but never finished it. "Pitti Tondo" is a relief in marble of Madonna and Child with an infant in the background, possibly Saint John. The piece was commissioned by Bartolommeo Pitti and is done in round (tondo).

Geertgen tot Sint Jans was an Early Netherlandish painter from the 15th Century. Very little is known of his life. "The Nativity at Night" shows Geertgen's work with light, where the only source of light is the baby Jesus.

Giotto di Bondone has been referred to as the first of the Italian masters. "The Nativity of Christ" was created by him around 1305 and is one of eight frescos that adorn the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. The eight frescos make up the "Scenes from the Life of Christ" series.

The frescoes were ordered by a member of the knightly order of Gaudenti and a wealthy merchant and Enrico degli Scrovegni. The chapel served as a place of worship and the last refuge for the merchant's family. The frescoes of Giotto fill the entire chapel, forming a whole narrative.

The chapel and monastery are now part of the city museum and in 2021 they were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Painted by Lorenzo Lotto, an Italian High Renaissance painter, in 1508 "Adoration of the Christ Child" hangs in the National Museum in Krakow, Poland. The figure to the left of the Madonna is thought to be St. Francis of Assisi. Lorenzo Lotto spent the early part of his career painting religious works. In his later years he became more known for his portraits.