Who painted The Adoration of the Shepherds?

The Adoration of the Shepherds was painted by Ortolano in 1519-01-01.

Where can I see The Adoration of the Shepherds?

The Adoration of the Shepherds is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is The Adoration of the Shepherds?

The Adoration of the Shepherds is associated with Early Renaissance.

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

Ortolano , 1519

The Adoration of the Shepherds is an oil painting by the Early Renaissance artist Ortolano. It dates from 1519 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The shepherds are identified by their pastoral attributes, such as a walking stick, underscoring their humble status.

The painting depicts the biblical episode of the Adoration of the Shepherds, showing the infant Jesus Christ being worshipped by shepherds while Mary and Joseph look on. The shepherds are identified by their pastoral attributes, such as a walking stick, underscoring their humble status. By placing the Holy Family alongside these lowly witnesses, the work emphasizes themes of humility, divine revelation, and the recognition of Christ's incarnation by those on society's margins.

Technique & Style

The Adoration of the Shepherds is an oil painting on canvas created in 1519 by Ortolano. According to the documented medium and material, the work employs oil paint applied to a canvas support, typical of early sixteenth-century Italian religious art. The composition depicts the Christ Child, Joseph, Mary, and shepherds, as recorded in the descriptive metadata.

The painting measures 49.2 cm in height and 73 cm in width, as specified in the catalog entry. No specific information regarding its current condition or handling history is provided in the available sources.

History & Provenance

The Adoration of the Shepherds by Ortolano (Giovanni Battista Benvenuti) was created in 1519. The painting is documented as an oil-on-canvas religious work depicting the adoration of the shepherds, with figures including the Christ Child, Joseph, Mary, and shepherds. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. No additional details regarding its original commission or earlier ownership history are provided in the cited sources.

Overview

This oil painting, titled The Adoration of the Shepherds, depicts a central narrative from the Christian tradition. The artwork presents a peaceful and devotional interpretation of the moment when shepherds arrive to pay homage to the newborn Christ. Its composition carefully arranges the sacred figures within a naturalistic setting, inviting contemplation of the event.