1874
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Adoration of the Shepherds (L'adoration des bergers) is a 1874 ink by Alphonse Legros, a Romanticism work, depicting Adoration of the Shepherd, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a crowded, dimly lit scene with a group of people gathered around a glowing baby in a manger. The figures are rough and sketchy, with lots of cross-hatching to show texture—clothes, hair, and even the wooden beams above them. Some faces look upward, while others kneel or reach out, all in a mix of expressions that feel urgent and emotional. The artist used fine lines to create depth, especially in the faces and hands, making the scene feel alive despite the darkness. The light around the baby is the brightest spot, drawing everyone’s attention. Next, check out etching to see how artists like Legros built up layers of tone with ink and tools.
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
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