“The Adoration of the Shepherds” is an oil painting created by Charles Le Brun in 1689, exemplifying the Baroque art movement. It measures 213 by 151 centimeters and is a religious painting currently housed in the Louvre, Paris, France.
The artwork depicts the biblical scene of the shepherds adoring the newborn Christ. In the center, the Virgin Mary, robed in blue, tenderly gazes at the infant Jesus who lies in a manger radiating divine light. Surrounding them, shepherds kneel and bow in reverence, expressing awe and humility. Above, clouds part to reveal angels and cherubs bathed in a heavenly glow, symbolizing the divine announcement and celestial celebration of the birth. The composition is imbued with dramatic light and shadow, characteristic of Baroque artistry, which emphasizes spiritual fervor and emotional intensity. The interplay of light highlights the holy figures, contrasting with the darker hues of the surrounding environment, creating a profound sense of reverence and sanctity within the scene.
