Artist
Bartolomé Estebán MurilloSpanish, c. 1618–1682
CultureSpanish
Titles
- The Nativity
Datec. 1665–1670
PlaceSpain
MediumOil on obsidian
DimensionsOverall: 15 × 13 7/16 × 1 1/4 in. (38.1 × 34.1 cm)
Frame (outer): 20 1/8 x 18 5/8 x 2 5/8 in. (51.1 x 47.3 x 6.7 cm)
Frame (outer): 20 1/8 x 18 5/8 x 2 5/8 in. (51.1 x 47.3 x 6.7 cm)
Credit LineThe Rienzi Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III
Object number94.1143
Current Location
Rienzi
Mexican Room
On view
Explore Further
Department
RienziObject Type
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, one of the greatest 17th-century Spanish painters, executed The Nativity on obsidian, a lustrous volcanic black glass.
Scholarship suggests that the obsidian was originally created by an Aztec craftsman for use as a "smoking mirror," a ceremonial tool for spiritual communication and divination. Murillo used the Pre-Columbian object as a painting surface, cleverly taking advantage of the vertical inclusions in the glass to suggest heavenly rays shining down on the Holy Family.
ProvenancePossibly Don Justino de Neve, Seville, and bequeathed at his death to the Carthusian Monastery, Seville, 1685; ...; Sir Lionel Hervey, U.K., c. 1835; William Delafield, Esq., London; [Christies, London, April 30, 1870, lot 36]; John Lewis Rutley, London; Jean Louis Mieville, London; [Christies, London, April 29, 1899, lot 99]; [Galerie Sedelmeyer, Paris]; C.T.D. Crews, London, c. 1901; [Christie's, London, July 1, 1915, lot 133]; Hughes collection, U.K.; [Sabin Galleries, London]; purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III, 1958; given to MFAH, 1994.
Exhibition HistoryThe British Institution, London, 1823.
The British Institution, London, 1835.
"Exhibition of the Works of Spanish Painters," Guildhall Gallery, London,1901.
"Murillo in America," Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, March 10–June 16, 2002; Los Angeles County Museum of Art, July 14–October 6, 2002.
"Spain in the Age of Exploration 1492–1819," Seattle Art Museum, October 16, 2004–January 2, 2005; Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach, Florida, January 31–May 2, 2005.
"Murillo and Justino de Neve," Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, June 26–September 30, 2012; Fundacion Focus Abengoa, Seville, Spain, October 8, 2012–January 20, 2013; Dulwich Picture Gallery, London, February 6–May19, 2013.
"Murillo, IV Centenary," Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla, Spain, November 29, 2018–March 17, 2019.
"Paintings on Stone: Science and the Sacred 1530-1800," Saint Louis Art Museum, February 20–May 15, 2022.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscription: "GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO/ET INTERRA PAX HOMIN..." on the banderole above the Holy Family.
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Romualdo Alinari
1850–1859
Albumen silver print
2000.262.48
Romualdo Alinari
1850–1859
Albumen silver print
2000.262.19
