Adoration of the Shepherds
AUTHOR
Worskshop of André Reinoso (ca.1590-ca.1650)
PLACE/DATE
Portugal, 17th century
MATERIALS
Oil on canvas
DIMENSIONS
112 x 89 cm
INV
PIN.29
In this painting, Bento Coelho (1617-1708) represents an episode from Christ's childhood, only mentioned in the first of the four Gospels, that of St. Matthew.
The figures of St. Joseph, the Virgin with Child and Gaspar are arranged along a descending diagonal axis that crosses the canvas from left to right, dividing the composition into two distinct zones as regards the density of the figures and objects represented.
In contrast to the solemnity of the moment, the Child looks at the Virgin and points to Gaspar who, kneeling in front of him, kisses his foot, a detail that results from an invention of the Italian 13th century, very common in the 17th century in Spain and unusual in Portuguese painting of the same period.
This canvas and another, with which it is related, representing the Annunciation (Inv. Pin. 28), would be part of a set, partially lost, dedicated to the Nativity and located in the chapel of the Nativity scene of the Church of São Roque.
