The Adoration of the Shepherds 1548

Augustin Hirschvogel's "The Adoration of the Shepherds" (1548), is a woodcut depicting the biblical scene of the shepherds discovering the newborn Christ child. The image focuses on the figures of the shepherds, with one kneeling in prayer, another holding a pipe, and the third playing a drum. The central figure of the Virgin Mary kneels in prayer before the Christ child. This woodcut serves as a visual interpretation of the story in Luke 2:8-20, and likely served as a devotional image for its contemporary audience.