Art Funded by you

The Adoration of the Shepherds

Nicolas Poussin, c. 1634

© National Gallery, London

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

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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