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The Adoration of the Shepherds

EECKHOUT, Gerbrandt van den (1621 - 1674)

The Adoration of the Shepherds

Date: 1665

Media: oil on canvas

Size: 49.5 x 62.2 cm

Acquired: 1963; Bequest; Margaret Davies

Accession Number: NMW A 29

Collection: The Davies Sisters Collection

A waning lantern illuminates the newborn Christ. His mother Mary remains asleep while Joseph is roused by the shepherds, who have come by night to pay homage to the Holy Child.  They are traditionally depicted in the act of adoration, but here the moment of their unexpected arrival at the stable has been captured.  Van den Eeckhout’s dramatic sense of timing and use of theatrical lighting shows the influence of his master and friend, Rembrandt.

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