The Adoration of the Shepherds 

Jan Cossiers made this painting, “The Adoration of the Shepherds,” using oil paints on canvas. Of course, Cossiers would have needed to grind and mix his own pigments and oils to create paint. The quality and cost of these materials, not to mention the time invested, would have been considerable. The rough canvas support gives a slightly uneven texture, which is enhanced by the visible brushwork. Cossiers' expressive application of paint is evident in the rendering of fabrics, skin tones, and the animals. Look closely at the still life elements in the foreground. The way he has depicted the feathers of the dead birds, the woven texture of the baskets, and the cool sheen on the metal jug elevates these everyday items to an equal level with the sacred figures. The painting as a whole reflects a society where skilled labor and artisanal expertise were highly valued, and where the creation of art was seen as a craft in itself, not so far removed from the work of a shepherd.