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The glowing Christ Child lies in a manger in a dark and dilapidated stable. The Virgin Mary kneels on the right beside Saint Joseph. Two angels hover in the darkness behind and three shepherds peer at the baby; the one in the foreground carries a lamb by its feet. The night sky above has opened to reveal a host of cherubs, one of whom holds a banner with the Latin words ‘GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO’ (‘Glory be to God in the highest’). This small painting was previously attributed to Scarsellino (about 1550–1620), an artist who worked in Ferrara, and was later thought to be North Italian. Recent cleaning has revealed the delicacy of the brushwork (especially evident in the starlit sky and the foremost shepherd’s fur trim and pouch), which is enhanced by the smooth copper on which this picture is painted.
Title
The Adoration of the Shepherds
Date
probably about 1600-25
Medium
Oil on copper
Measurements
H 31.4 x W 24.7 cm
Accession number
NG1887
Acquisition method
Bought, 1860
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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