17th century German school. "The Adoration of the Shepherds. Oil on panel. Period frame. It presents some retouches after cleaning. Size: 37 x 28 cm; 60 x 50 cm (frame). In this canvas of baroque period, the painter is interested in approaching the theme of the adoration in a naturalistic way, emphasizing the humble environment that welcomes in its bosom the birth of the Child Jesus. The shepherds display an expressive gestural dramaturgy that communicates their astonishment at the miraculous event they are privileged to witness. All the gestures revolve around the infant, whose small body wrapped in white cloths rests on a bed of straw. The Virgin joins hands in devotion, and St. Joseph, in front of him, gazes at the child withdrawn in thought. Jesus thus occupies the centre of the composition, and the contrasting lighting helps to arrange the figures and direct the viewer's gaze to every corner of the crib, which opens outwards through a window that is peered into by a few curious onlookers. Behind the stone arcades, our gaze escapes towards the landscape, and at the top, a scenographic break in Gloria connects heaven and earth.