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The Adoration of the Shepherds

Maker

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

Formerly attributed to
(Artists)
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)

Accession Number

P.1966.GP.160

Mode of Acquisition

Gambier Parry, bequest, 1966

Credit

The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

Copyright

Work in the public domain

Location

On display

Keywords






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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