Adoration of the Shepherds n.d.

Guido Reni rendered "Adoration of the Shepherds," using pen and brown ink with brown wash, during the Baroque era, a period marked by dramatic and theatrical artistic expression. The shepherds, traditionally figures of the working class, are depicted with a sense of reverence, yet their downcast eyes and bare feet speak to a deep social divide. Mary gazes softly at the viewer, her gentle expression seemingly bridging the gap between social classes. The infant Jesus, a symbol of hope, is presented as a unifying force. The composition emphasizes a moment of encounter, of exchange, inviting us to consider the power dynamics inherent in this interaction between the divine and the mortal, the rich and the poor. Reni’s drawing captures a deeply human moment, full of tenderness and humility.