Giovanni Antonio Bazzi, known as Sodoma (1477 - 1549)
1537 approx.

An altarpiece depicting the Nativity of Mary is cased in a fine marble and stucco frame above the altar in the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament.
This episode of Mary’s life is closely linked to the advent of Christ, as a promise, preparation and fruit of salvation. The dawn preceding the Sun of Justice, Mary announces the joy of the Saviour to the entire world.
In the Virgin’s birth, as in that of any person chosen by the Lord to accomplish a great mission, the miraculous intervention of God is evident.
The true meaning and purpose of this event is the incarnation of the Word. Maria was indeed born, nursed and raised to be the Mother of the Son of God. This is the reason why the Church celebrates not only Mary's Assumption into heaven - in other words the end of her earthly life - as with the other saints, but also her coming into this world.
A lunette above this beautiful painting contains a fresco of the Eternal Father, also painted by Il Sodoma.