Who painted The Adoration of the Shepherds?

The Adoration of the Shepherds was painted by Ignatius Cornelis Marinus in 1638.

Where can I see The Adoration of the Shepherds?

The Adoration of the Shepherds is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Adoration of the Shepherds?

The Adoration of the Shepherds is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Adoration of the Shepherds

Ignatius Cornelis Marinus , 1638

The Adoration of the Shepherds is an ink print by the Baroque artist Ignatius Cornelis Marinus. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Ignatius Cornelis Marinus produced an engraving titled *The Adoration of the Shepherds* around 1638. The print presents a domestic interior where a woman cradles an infant, surrounded by a gathering of figures who kneel or stand in reverent attention.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates the biblical episode of shepherds paying homage to the newborn Christ. The infant is marked by a halo, emphasizing his sanctity, while the surrounding participants—some offering food, others reaching out—convey a communal act of worship and generosity.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine engraving, the work is characterized by crisp, precise lines that delineate the folds of clothing, the texture of the rough walls, and the play of light from a suspended lantern. Marinus’s handling of chiaroscuro through line work creates depth and highlights the solemn atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in the early seventeenth century, the print reflects the period’s interest in religious subjects rendered for private devotion. While specific ownership records are scarce, the engraving is attributed to Marinus’s oeuvre and is catalogued among his known works from the 1630s.