Altarpiece of St. Augustine - Adoration of the Shepherds 1510

Pietro Perugino painted this panel, ‘Adoration of the Shepherds’, as part of an altarpiece likely sometime in the late 15th century. Observe the Holy Family beneath a delicate loggia, flanked by adoring shepherds, and hovering angels. The symbol of the angels, common in Christian iconography, has roots stretching back to ancient Mesopotamian and Persian art, where winged figures acted as divine messengers. Over time, these figures were integrated into the Christian tradition as intermediaries between God and humanity. Here, they're imbued with Renaissance grace, yet their core function remains. The shepherds, too, echo an ancient theme – the humble paying homage to the divine. Think of the Roman emperor cult, where conquered peoples offer tribute, transformed here into a heartfelt, pastoral devotion. Such recurring motifs speak to the enduring human need for connection with something greater. This adoration scene speaks to collective memory, triggering deep emotional responses to hope and faith. These symbols didn't vanish after the Renaissance; they resurface, evolving, in later works, proving that images never truly die.