The Adoration of the Shepherds, in an architectural frame ornamented with caryatids, putti, festoons, birds, trophies etc

1550

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

The Adoration of the Shepherds, in an architectural frame ornamented with caryatids, putti, festoons, birds, trophies etc is a 1550 by Unknown, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1550
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This drawing shows a crowded scene of angels and shepherds kneeling before baby Jesus. Tiny figures fill every inch of the page, from the holy family to the background. Someone once thought this was a Vasari sketch. Experts now link it to a Bolognese artist from the 1550s who loved ornate frames. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more.

The story of this work

Overview

The drawing depicts *The Adoration of the Shepherds* enclosed within an ornate architectural frame featuring caryatids, putti, festoons, birds, and trophies. Once attributed to Vasari as a preparatory study for a painted work, its authorship has been reconsidered, with suggestions including Giulio Clovio or an artist near Pirro Ligorio. Stylistically, the work aligns more closely with the Bolognese school of the mid-to-late 16th century, incorporating some Northern European influences.

Read the full account in the museum source.