MASTER OF THE CASTELLO NATIVITY

This central panel of an altarpiece shows the Virgin Mary and a young John the Baptist adoring the Christ Child. The artist—named after his benchmark painting from the town of Castello, since his identity is not yet known—surrounds the figures with a rich pattern of plants, including a white lily representing purity. By emphasizing the Christ Child, the artist invites the viewer to join the Virgin and Saint John in their devotion of Him.