The Adoration of the Shepherds 1760s

Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich's "The Adoration of the Shepherds," painted in the 1760s, depicts the biblical scene of shepherds worshipping the newborn Jesus. The painting, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is notable for its dramatic use of light and shadow, creating a sense of awe and wonder surrounding the holy event. Dietrich captures the shepherds' astonishment and reverence as they gaze upon the infant Christ, illuminated by a soft, heavenly glow. The composition, with figures arranged in a semi-circle around the manger, emphasizes the importance of this moment and the profound impact it has on those present.