Artwork

Anbetung der Hirten

Anbetung der Hirten, by Girolamo da Ponte, unspecified, 1597
Anbetung der Hirten, by Girolamo da Ponte, unspecified, 1597

Anbetung der Hirten is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Girolamo da Ponte. It dates from 1597 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Anbetung der Hirten, painted in 1597 by Girolamo da Ponte (also known as Gerolamo Bassano), is a religious painting depicting the adoration of the Christ Child. It is part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection and represents the early Baroque period in Italy.

Subject & Meaning

The scene portrays the Christ Child surrounded by a group of reverent figures, including a woman in a white headscarf tenderly attending to the infant, while others gather around, absorbed in the moment. The composition conveys a sense of quiet devotion and peaceful contemplation.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details of the painting are not highlighted, its attribution to Girolamo da Ponte suggests a style influenced by his family's workshop traditions, potentially blending elements of Venetian and early Baroque aesthetics.

History & Provenance

Created in 1597 by Girolamo da Ponte, the youngest son of Jacopo da Bassano, the painting reflects the collaborative environment of the Bassano family workshop. It is currently housed at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Context

As an early Baroque work, Anbetung der Hirten sits within the broader artistic shift towards dramatic lighting and emotional intensity, though this piece emphasizes serenity. Girolamo's collaborations with his brothers, particularly on portraits with Leandro, contextualize his practice within a familial and artistic tradition.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is intertwined with the Bassano family's collective output, contributing to the understanding of early Baroque developments in Italy. Its presence in the Kunsthistorisches Museum ensures its study within the context of European art history.

Artist & collection

Artist

Girolamo da Ponte

Girolamo da Ponte also known as Gerolamo Bassano (3 June 1566 in Bassano del Grappa – 8 November 1621 in Venice) was an Italian painter of the Renaissance period.