The Nativity

Man setting up lights in front of painting. Titles of film read over. The Nativity / Natività (c.1470-1475), full view and details. Commentary describes the painting, designed as an altar piece. The damage suffered by the painting over the years. Commentary explains what has happened to it. Commentary talks about the "audacious simplicity" of the painting. The function of the building. The lines directing the gaze. The patterns and shapes. Form and space. Light and colour. Commentary suggests that the painting achieves the Renaissance "ambition to reconcile the spiritual ideals of Christianity with the pagan belief in Man’s dignity and love of the natural world". Credits.

"The Arts Council of Great Britain presents THE NATIVITY by Piero della Francesca in the National Gallery in London. Commentary by the Director of the Gallery, Sir Philip Hendy."
Directed by Dudley Shaw Ashton;
Photographed by David Muir;
Edited by Peter Kingsgate Smith.
By kind permission of the trustees of the National Gallery, and with the co-operation of the British Council, London.
Produced by Samaritan Films, for the Arts Council of Great Britain.