Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani (1660–1731) - attributed... Lot n° 29

Adoration of the Shepherds 92 x 132 cm oil on canvas The execution of this canvas shows similarities with the works of Giovanni Camillo Sagrestani (Firenze 1660 – Firenze 1731), especially in the physiognomies such as the shape of the noses that are found in many other figures. The theme refers to the story of the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke (Lk 2: 8-20). Under the cloudy sky of a sunrise, in a mountainous landscape, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds are gathered in adoration of the newborn baby Jesus, offering us an intimate and collected interpretation of the Gospel episode. The fulcrum of the scene is the Virgin, portrayed in a pink and blue dress, in an attitude of prayer. Behind her, Josef is in a brown coat and leaning on a stick. The scene is dominated by the light emanating from the Child, which radiates the surrounding figures. In the foreground the shepherds, devoted and surprised, bring their offering; one a sheep, and another some eggs. On the right are seen an ox, donkey and two other shepherds who are approaching curiously. In the upper part, among the clouds of the sky, you can see several cherubs. Meanwhile, in the distance on the left there is the silhouette of a fortified city. A harmonious painting given the diligent pyramidal setting of the figures, and above all by Mary and the Child, particularly emphasised by the brightness of their clothes and complexion.