The Adoration of the Shepherds

In 1516, the Nuremberg artist Ludwig Krug engraved the motif “The Adoration of the Shepherds” in copper. Through a missing side wall, the artist provides a closer look at the sacred events that take place in a dilapidated building with a perforated roof. Similar to Dürer's work, Krug allows several scenes to take place at the same time through the composition of the image: while Mary in the foreground, accompanied by angels, bends devoutly over the Christ child, the first shepherd steps up to worship the infant Jesus. Through a round arch, the viewer catches a glimpse of another shepherd who is just hurrying to the manger, and in the background of the Archangel Gabriel, who announces the birth of the Saviour.