Study for an Altar Containing a Painting of the Adoration of the Shepherds 1767

This 1767 drawing by Carl Joseph Haringer is a study for an altar, featuring a detailed design for a grand structure with columns and a central niche. The design incorporates a painting of the "Adoration of the Shepherds," which is framed within a decorative archway. The artwork, located in the Art Institute of Chicago, is a significant example of Baroque architectural design with its elaborate embellishments and emphasis on visual grandeur. The study highlights the artist's meticulous attention to detail in planning the altar's design and its intended visual impact.