Who painted The adoration of the Shepherds?

The adoration of the Shepherds was painted by Guidoccio Cozzarelli in 1493.

Where can I see The adoration of the Shepherds?

The adoration of the Shepherds is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is The adoration of the Shepherds?

The adoration of the Shepherds is associated with Sienese School.

Can I buy a print of The adoration of the Shepherds?

Museum-quality prints of The adoration of the Shepherds are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The adoration of the Shepherds

Guidoccio Cozzarelli , 1493

The adoration of the Shepherds is a paint painting by the Sienese School artist Guidoccio Cozzarelli. It dates from 1493 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Guidoccio Cozzarelli, a painter from Siena active in the late 15th century, completed a work titled The Adoration of the Shepherds circa 1493. The oil painting, now housed in Berlin’s Gemäldegalerie, depicts the biblical episode of shepherds venerating the infant Christ.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a modest group of shepherds gathered around a manger, their simple garments and expressive faces conveying reverence and awe. A distant cityscape recedes behind them, suggesting the broader world beyond the intimate, sacred moment.

Technique & Style

Cozzarelli employs a restrained palette of earthy hues, emphasizing chiaroscuro to model forms rather than intricate detail. The handling of light and colour creates a realistic yet contemplative atmosphere, characteristic of the Sienese school’s late‑Renaissance aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Created for a church commission, the painting reflects Cozzarelli’s typical religious output, often produced under the influence of his master Matteo di Giovanni. It entered the Gemäldegalerie collection in Berlin, where it remains on display.

Context

The work belongs to a period when Siena’s artists were integrating the luminous effects of the Florentine Renaissance with their own decorative traditions. Cozzarelli’s approach, favoring tonal modeling over fine line work, marks a subtle shift within that regional style.