Adoration of the Shepherds

Barnaba da Modena (Barnaba Agocchiari)to Barnaba da Modena

Download hi-res image TITLE Adoration of the Shepherds
AUTHOR Barnaba da Modena (Barnaba Agocchiari)to Barnaba da Modena
DATE Late 1370s
OBJECT TYPE AND MATERIAL Tempera on panel
DIMENSIONS cm 57 x 50
INVENTORY 6020
ROOM III
Work on display
Donation

Barnaba da Modena was an artist from Modena and then Emilia, who also worked in southern Piedmont and Liguria. This work belongs to the artist’s Ligurian period and shows the Adoration of Christ by the shepherds, with St. Joseph separated from the family group, seated on a saddle. The angular drapery of the Madonna shows the importance Barnaba da Modena gives to the Byzantine tradition while developing a naturalistic style seen not only in the sleeping sheep who sleep but those eating grass.