Adoration of the Shepherds 1654 - 1718

Giuseppe Maria Mitelli's etching, "Adoration of the Shepherds," depicts the traditional Christian scene of the shepherds' visit to the newborn Christ. The work is a classic example of Baroque art, featuring dramatic chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts of light and shadow. The composition is dynamic, with the shepherds gathered around the manger, their figures accentuated by Mitelli's expressive use of line. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the depiction of the animals, the architecture, and the landscape, creating a sense of realism. The etching was completed between 1654 and 1718 and is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.