A Contest between the Shepherds Alcesto and Acaten

Art Historical Context

In the early 15th century, enigmatic Master of 1416named for a dated work he signed—created this captivating *A Contest between the Shepherd Alcesto and Acaten* around 1410. Painted in tempera on wood, a labor-intensive medium using pigments mixed with egg yolk for luminous, jewel-like colors and fine details, the panel's unusual twelve-sided shape (21 1/8 x 22 1/8 in.) suggests it may have adorned a specialized object like a piece of furniture or a decorative wellhead, blending artistry with everyday luxury. The scene depicts a lively pastoral rivalry between shepherds Alcesto and Acaten, su...