The Adoration of the Shepherds 17th century

"The Adoration of the Shepherds", a 17th century red chalk drawing, depicts the biblical scene where shepherds are shown worshipping the newborn Christ child. The work is attributed to an anonymous artist and is currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The drawing's sketchy style, characterized by loose lines and a sense of movement, suggests a preparatory study for a larger painting. The composition emphasizes the figures, leaving the background largely undefined, further highlighting the spiritual significance of the event.