Artwork
Anbetung der Hirten

Anbetung der Hirten is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Hans von Aachen. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The scene emphasizes humility and divine revelation through the contrast between the lowly setting and the radiant, sacred light surrounding the child.
The painting depicts the Adoration of the Shepherds, a scene from the Nativity in which shepherds gather to honor the infant Jesus. Central to the composition is the Christ Child, lying on a humble manger, surrounded by kneeling shepherds who represent the first witnesses to the divine incarnation. The scene emphasizes humility and divine revelation through the contrast between the lowly setting and the radiant, sacred light surrounding the child.
The work aligns with Counter-Reformation religious imagery, aiming to evoke piety and emotional engagement with the mystery of the Incarnation.
Technique & Style
Created in 1591, Anbetung der Hirten is a religious painting executed by Hans von Aachen. The work serves as a depiction of the Adoration of the Shepherds and features the Christ Child as its main subject. Physically, the painting measures 24.7 cm in height and 19.2 cm in width. It is currently held within the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections at the Alte Pinakothek.
History & Provenance
Hans von Aachen painted Anbetung der Hirten in 1591, depicting the adoration of the shepherds. The work is part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections and has been housed in the Alte Pinakothek since its creation. The painting measures 24.7 centimeters by 19.2 centimeters.
The painting Anbetung der Hirten by Hans von Aachen is part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections and is housed in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. Its accession number is not provided in the available sources. The work was created in 1591 and has been exhibited as part of the collection presentation at the Alte Pinakothek, though specific exhibition venues beyond the permanent display are not documented in the sources.
Overview
Anbetung der Hirten, created by Hans von Aachen in 1596, is a Northern Mannerist painting depicting a nativity scene. The work showcases the Christ Child surrounded by reverent figures in a high-ceilinged room, characterized by a somber, devotional atmosphere.
Context
Reflecting the artistic and religious climate of late 16th-century Europe, the painting blends Mannerist innovations with traditional Christian iconography, appealing to the intellectual and devout sensibilities of its time.
Legacy
While specific impact on later artists is not widely documented, Anbetung der Hirten remains a notable example of Northern Mannerist religious art, contributing to the broader legacy of von Aachen's diverse and influential body of work.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hans von Aachen (1552 – 4 March 1615) was a German painter who was one of the leading representatives of Northern Mannerism.


















