The Adoration of the Shepherds c. late 1650s

Gerrit van Battem's "The Adoration of the Shepherds," a pen and brown wash drawing, depicts the Nativity scene. The artist captures the wonder and awe of the shepherds as they gather around the newborn Christ child. The composition is characterized by a sense of movement, with the figures arranged in a dynamic group. This drawing, which dates back to the late 1650s, is a beautiful example of van Battem's skill as a draftsman and his ability to convey emotion in a simple, yet powerful, way. The work is currently in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.