The Adoration of the Shepherds

by-nc

Maker

Attributed to
Master of the Twelve Apostles
active 1525-1540 (Life dates)
Formerly attributed to

1481-1559

Title

The Adoration of the Shepherds

Date of Production

c. 1530

Medium

oil on panel

Dimensions

Height: 40.2 cm (panel)
Width: 28.1 cm (panel)

Object Number

P.1966.GP.160

Mode of Acquisition

Gambier-Parry, bequest, 1966

Credit

Courtauld Gallery, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

Label Text

Although the subject of this painting is the celebration of Christ’s birth, the references are largely to his death. The white cloth on which he sleeps echoes the shroud in which he will be buried. The lamb carried by the shepherd in the distance alludes to Christ’s sacrifice. The cross itself, surrounded by angels, is visible in the orange cloud above.

Provenance

Gambier-Parry Bequest 1966

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