The Adoration of the Shepherds

Shepherds have come to adore the infant Christ lying in a manger. The angels who have appeared to them hover above, one of them carrying a scroll inscribed with the words: GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO (Glory to God in the highest), (Luke 2: 8–17).

This painting, which was previously attributed to Scarsellino (about 1550–1620), and later considered North Italian, was almost certainly painted in Florence at the turn of the 17th century.

The copper support is perfectly suited to the colourful palette and delicate brushwork displayed in this small cabinet painting.