Adoration of the Shepherds

After the angel announced the birth of the Christ child to them, the shepherds decided to try to find Him. A painting which shows the shepherds having arrived at the stable and reverently viewing the Child is called an "Adoration of the Shepherds."

A particularly good example of this theme is here:

Adoration of the Shepherds, c. 1550, by Bassano

A variation of this theme appears in this work:

Adoration of the Shepherds, c. 1383, by Bartoldi di Fredi.

In this two-part work, the Annunciation to the Shepherds is shown in the background, while the subsequent Adoration of the Shepherds appears in the foreground.

More often, the shepherds are

The Adoration scene is based on a further selection from the Gospel of Luke 2:15-16.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

Comments

[am]

Am glad to see you posting again today. I'm moved by all these paintings, with the range of expressive faces. Am especially taken by the dove and the star above the Christ child in the painting by Bartoldi di Fredi. The Christ child is drawn to them, too. Interesting to see who is looking at them as well. Mary's attention is on the Christ child alone.

Thanks so much!

Kind wishes,
am

[Keara]

am, thank you so much both for your kind words and your insightful comments. It is lovely to see you. :-)