Altarpiece of St. Augustine -Adoration of the Shepherds (detail) Altarpiece of St. Augustine 1510

This detail from Pietro Perugino's "Altarpiece of St. Augustine" depicts the Adoration of the Shepherds, a key moment in the Nativity story. Painted in 1510, the scene portrays two shepherds kneeling in reverence, their gazes directed towards the Christ Child (not shown). Perugino, a prominent painter of the Umbrian School, employs a serene and balanced composition, characteristic of his style. The landscape setting, with its distant sea and rolling hills, creates a sense of tranquility, reflecting the peaceful nature of the event. The shepherds' simple clothing and humble demeanor emphasize their awe and devotion, further enhancing the artwork's spiritual and emotional impact.