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The Adoration of the Shepherds

Cesare Pollini

1595

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory

Dominant colour

The Adoration of the Shepherds is a 1595 ink by Cesare Pollini, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Cesare Pollini
When & what style?: 1595 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows three figures in a dim, shadowy scene. One person sits in the center, wrapped in heavy robes, while two others kneel around them—one with outstretched arms, the other leaning in close. The lines are loose and quick, with faint red chalk underneath adding depth. Light areas glow softly, but most of the image stays in muted browns and grays. The rough, sketchy style suggests this was a quick study, not a finished work. The figures look like they’re part of a religious story, but the details are left vague. Next, look up Pollini, Cesare to see how his style compares to other Renaissance draftsmen.