The Adoration of the Shepherds c. 1665 - 1670

Bartolomé Estebán Murillo painted "The Adoration of the Shepherds" in the 17th century, capturing a deeply intimate and spiritual scene. Notice how the light emerges softly from the figure of the newborn Christ, casting gentle glows upon the faces of those gathered. This delicate treatment of light, or sfumato, creates a hushed, reverential atmosphere. The composition, organized around a central pyramidal structure formed by the figures, draws our eyes to the baby Jesus. Murillo was a master of Baroque naturalism, so notice the way he contrasted the ethereal cherubs above with the earthy shepherds below. These visual juxtapositions create layers of meaning. The shepherds, with their rugged features and humble gestures, represent the common folk. Here Murillo destabilizes traditional artistic hierarchies by elevating everyday people to a place of sacred importance. The painting asks us to consider the convergence of the divine and the human. It prompts a reflection on faith, social strata, and the transformative power of the Christian narrative.