This painting is thought to be based on a lost original of around 1460-80. In the background appear the Annunciation to the Shepherds, and the Shepherds pointing to the Star. The two women behind Saint Joseph are presumably the Virgin's midwives, Zelomi (Zebel) and Mary Salome who are legendary, not biblical, characters.
Geertgen's 'Nativity At Night', is comparable as a night scene, but in this painting the Child is placed on the ground instead of in a crib.
