NATIVITY

Wood engraving of the Nativity

This 1916 wood engraving was designed by French painter Jacques Pierre Paul Raverat (1885–1925), and engraved by his wife Gwen Darwin (1885–1957), the English painter and wood engraver.

Having originally started studying mathematics at Jesus College in Cambridge, a mystery illness (which was later diagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis) led Jacques Raverat to abandon his studies and take up painting.

He met Gwen Darwin and joined her at the Slade School of Art in London. Gwen Darwin, granddaughter of naturalist Charles Darwin, developed her own style of wood engraving while at the Slade School. She was the only female artist to join in the founding of the Society of Wood Engravers.

Together Jacques and Gwen were active members of a group of intellectuals known as the Neo-Pagans, and were also associated with Virginia Woolf’s Bloomsbury Group.

Nativity, 1916
Drawn by Jacques Raverat (1885–1925), engraved by Gwendolen Raverat (1885–1957)

WA1964.75.1431
Wood engraving
7.8 x 7.8cm
Europe

Not currently on display