Who painted Anbetung der Hirten?

Anbetung der Hirten was painted by Hans Rottenhammer in 1605.

Where can I see Anbetung der Hirten?

Anbetung der Hirten is held by Alte Pinakothek.

What movement is Anbetung der Hirten?

Anbetung der Hirten is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Artwork

Anbetung der Hirten

Hans Rottenhammer , 1605

Anbetung der Hirten is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Hans Rottenhammer. It dates from 1605 and is held in the collection of the Alte Pinakothek.

About this work

Overview

Executed on copper, the painting presents a quiet Nativity scene in which the Virgin cradles the infant Christ, surrounded by shepherds, angels and cherubs.

Hans Rottenhammer’s *Anbetung der Hirten* (Adoration of the Shepherds) dates to 1605 and measures only a few inches across. Executed on copper, the painting presents a quiet Nativity scene in which the Virgin cradles the infant Christ, surrounded by shepherds, angels and cherubs. The composition balances intimate detail with a serene devotional mood, reflecting the early Baroque sensibility that was spreading from Italy to northern Europe.

Subject & Meaning

The central focus is the Virgin Mary, clothed in a blue mantle over a pink dress, gently holding the newborn Jesus, whose hand rests on hers. A basket covered with a white cloth supports the child, while shepherds and angels gather nearby, underscoring the theme of humble worship. The inclusion of cherubs bearing a ribbon with a golden halo reinforces the celestial endorsement of the incarnation.

Technique & Style

Rottenhammer worked primarily on copper panels, a medium that allows for fine, precise brushwork. In this piece the delicate rendering of fabrics, the subtle modeling of flesh, and the intricate detailing of background figures demonstrate his skill in miniature composition. The palette combines soft pastel tones with luminous highlights, creating a gentle chiaroscuro that aligns with early Baroque Italian aesthetics while retaining a Northern European precision.

History & Provenance

A German artist active at the turn of the 17th century, Rottenhammer spent much of his career in Italy before returning to his native lands. *Anbetung der Hirten* entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s effort to represent the cross‑cultural exchange between German and Italian painting during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

Artist & collection

Artist

Hans Rottenhammer

Johann Rottenhammer, or Hans Rottenhammer (1564 – 14 August 1625), was a German painter. He specialized in highly finished paintings on a small scale.