Adoration of the Shepherds
Medium
Red chalk on off-white paper. Composition outlined in ruled red chalk lines.
Dimensions
6-7/8 x 4-3/4 in. (17.5 x 12.1 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Harry G. Sperling, 1971
Accession Number
1975.131.228
Tags
Art Historical Context
Francisco Vieira de Mattos, known as Il Lusitano, was a prominent Portuguese artist of the late Baroque period, active in Rome and Lisbon during the 18th century. His *Adoration of the Shepherd* (ca. 1699–1783) captures a timeless biblical scene from the Nativity, depicting humble shepherds revering the Christ child in the manger—a motif rich in Christian iconography symbolizing humility and divine revelation. This intimate drawing reflects the devotional art popular in Catholic Europe, blending emotional tenderness with dramatic light and shadow typical of Vieira's style. Executed in red cha...