Artwork
The adoration of the shepherds
The adoration of the shepherds is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Cornelius van Poelenburgh. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the biblical episode of the shepherds adoring the newborn Christ Child, a central motif in Nativity imagery.
The painting depicts the biblical episode of the shepherds adoring the newborn Christ Child, a central motif in Nativity imagery. As a religious work, it emphasizes the humility of the incarnation and the recognition of Christ’s divinity by humble witnesses. The focus on the Christ Child, surrounded by shepherds paying homage, conveys the theological message of divine accessibility and the invitation to all peoples to worship the Savior.
Technique & Style
The painting is executed in oil on copper, a support that yields a smooth, reflective surface and allows for precise handling of fine detail and luminous glazes. The handling is refined and controlled, with delicate modeling of light across the figures and landscape to articulate form and space. Stylistically, the composition aligns with the Dutch Italianate tradition: figures are arranged in a shallow, stage-like setting beneath a golden Italianate sky, with atmospheric recession into rolling hills and classical ruins. Warm, low-angle light emphasizes volumetric relief and a quiet, contemplative mood.
History & Provenance
The painting was created in 1635 by Cornelius van Poelenburgh, as indicated by the date inscribed on the work.
It entered the collection of Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz, Elector Palatine, whose holdings later formed part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. The work is currently held by the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it remains part of the state collections.
The painting is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections (Alte Pinakothek) in Munich, accessioned as part of the holdings from the Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz collection.
It was included in the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings by 1635 and has remained in that institution’s collection since then, with no subsequent change in ownership documented.
Overview
The Adoration of the Shepherds is a 1635 painting on copper by Cornelius van Poelenburgh, a Dutch artist known for his small-scale works featuring Italianate landscapes and biblical scenes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis van Poelenburgh or Cornelis van Poelenburch (1594 – 12 August 1667), was a Dutch landscape painter and draughtsman.
- The Adoration of the Shepherds
The Adoration of the Shepherds
The Adoration of the Shepherds
The Adoration of the Shepherds
The Adoration of the Shepherds
The Adoration of the Shepherds
The Adoration of the Shepherds
The Adoration of the Shepherds
The adoration of the Magi
Aanbidding der herders
Adoration of the Shepherds
Die Anbetung der Hirten