Artwork

Adoration of the Shepherds

Adoration of the Shepherds, by Cornelius van Poelenburgh, unspecified, 1650
Adoration of the Shepherds, by Cornelius van Poelenburgh, unspecified, 1650

Adoration of the Shepherds is an unspecified painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Cornelius van Poelenburgh. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Cornelius van Poelenburgh's Adoration of the Shepherds, a Flemish Baroque painting created circa 1650, is a representation of the Christ Child surrounded by figures. The work is characteristic of the artist's style, blending landscape and biblical themes.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts the Adoration of the Shepherds, with the Christ Child at its center, lying on a white cloth and surrounded by a group of figures, including a seated woman, kneeling and standing attendants, and flying angels in the upper left corner.

Technique & Style

The painting features a predominantly dark color palette, with lighter shades used for the clothing of the figures, creating a contrast that draws attention to the central scene. The use of chiaroscuro emphasizes the figures and the Christ Child.

History & Provenance

Painted by Cornelius van Poelenburgh, a Dutch artist known for his Italianate landscapes and active in Rome, the work is now held in the State Hermitage Museum.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Cornelius van Poelenburgh

Artist

Cornelius van Poelenburgh

Cornelis van Poelenburgh or Cornelis van Poelenburch (1594 – 12 August 1667), was a Dutch landscape painter and draughtsman.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.