Sandro Botticelli painted his “Mystical Nativity” during 1500/1501. It is a stunning painting, featuring a spiritual struggle.

It was painted 10 years after Girolamo Savonarola, a fanatic Dominican monk, started preaching in Florence. He came to the city in 1490 and was repelled by the artistic glory and enormous wealth that made Florence labeling the great city as being corrupt and vice-ridden. His influence is reflected in his Botticelli’s work.

The masterpiece has all the elements of a classic nativity scene: baby Jesus, Virgin Mary, Joseph, the ox & donkey, shepherds, wise men and angels. The angels are stunning: they are dressed in white, green and red gowns symbolizing faith, hope and charity. Each dancing angel is holding a ribbon with text on it. After Botticelli’s death 1510, the Mystical Nativity was hidden for three centuries due to the message on those ribbons which was seen as dangerous.

Thanks to researcher Robert Hatfield (University of Syracuse in Florence) and infrared analysis of the paining, the inscription on the ribbons was revealed and could be linked to Savonarola’s sermons about the 12 mystical properties of the Virgin Mary.

The painting has inspired numerous artists, including the artisans at Primo Maestro Italia. They created stunning lighting pieces featuring one of the elegant angels. You can learn more about the Pandia Collection by clicking here.

The original painting is currently in the National Gallery in London. To learn more, watch the video below.