“Rest on the Flight into Egypt” is an unusual picture that Caravaggio painted in 1597 on a Flanders cloth, a fabric then used to make tablecloths. It was painted during the Roman period of the artist, who lived a short and troubled life due to his quarrelsome temperament.

- THE RECIPE: BRÜSCITT

The story of the flight into Egypt, caused by Herod, has inspired many artists over the centuries. One painting in particular touches hearts and minds: Federico Barocci's "Rest during the Flight into Egypt", which depicts a serene moment in the life (painful since childhood) of Jesus.

- THE RECIPE: RICOTTA AND CHERRY TART

Giorgione of Treviso is undoubtedly the author of an unusual Nativity, an Adoration of the Shepherds in which for the first time both the adoring shepherds and the Holy Family are off-centre, while half of the painting is occupied by a beautiful landscape.

- RECIPE: TREVISO RADICCHIO RISOTTO

One of the most interesting paintings of the birth of Jesus is by Petrus Christus, a member of the 'second generation' of Flemish painting. The subject of an exceptional transaction, it was the first painting in history whose photograph was transmitted by Marconi cable from England to America.

- THE RECIPE: ASPARAGUS FLEMISH-STYLE

We are in the Christmas period with its the nativity scene. Traditionally, nativity scenes were animated. They have an 'inventor', St Francis of Assisi, who re-enacted the Nativity in a cave in Greccio, immediately after his return from the Holy Land. A Franciscan pontiff, Nicholas IV, commissioned Arnolfo di Cambio to create the first inanimate nativity scene.

- THE RECIPE: UMBRIAN BERTOLACCE

On the night between 17 and 18 October 1969, a magnificent Nativity painted by Caravaggio was stolen from the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo. Despite the efforts of investigators, who took statements from various mafia defectors, all trace of the painting (estimated value €35 million) has been lost. The painting, depicting the birth of Jesus, impresses with its realism.
- THE RECIPE: STUFFED CAPON MILANESE STYLE