
In the foreground the Holy Family is adored by shepherds and shepherdesses, while in front of the roof of the stable are five cherubs. The earlier moment in the story when the angel appears to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ is depicted in the background. The picture is almost unique among Poussin's works for its extraordinary delicacy of execution and its immaculate preservation. The painting was probably executed when Poussin, though still influenced by the Venetians in his colouring, was moving towards that concentration and simplicity of style which characterise the classical paintings of the 1640s.
More information
Title of artwork, date
The Adoration of the Shepherds, c. 1634
Date supported
1957
Medium and material
Oil on canavs
Dimensions
98 x 74 cm
Grant
3000
Total cost
33100

Get a National Art Pass and explore National Gallery
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at National Gallery
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.