L'Adorazione dei pastori
Pieter van Lint (Anversa, 1609 – 1690) bottega
Pieter van Lint (Antwerp, 1609 – 1690)
Workshop
The Adoration of the Shepherds
Oil on panel (stabilised on the reverse with two wooden slats)
83 x 55 cm.
In frame (20th century) 93 x 66 cm.
Provenance: Old label from the Galleria Salvetti (Milan) on the reverse
The painting depicts one of the most moving moments of the Nativity: the adoration of the shepherds who, having been warned by an angel, make their way to the stable in Bethlehem to worship the newborn, aware of the momentous event unfolding before them and paying homage with their humble gifts.
The work, of excellent pictorial quality, is attributed to a painter from the workshop of the Flemish master Pieter van Lint (Antwerp, 1609–1690).
Van Lint addressed this specific theme on several occasions; the most significant versions are found in Spain, having been exported at the time via Antwerp art dealers, and are now in many museum collections, such as the Adoration at the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen (https://open.smk.dk/ artwork/image/KMSsp255 ), the one at the Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville, or the one in the Church of San Ginés in Madrid.
None of these works is a duplicate, and each is distinguished by a personalised interpretation of the scene, although they share common stylistic features, blending the Flemish Baroque absorbed during Van Lint’s training in Antwerp (clearly influenced by Peter Paul Rubens) with elements of Italian classicism, learned during his long stay in Rome between 1633 and 1640, presenting clear echoes of Correggio.
In 1640, after a brief stay in Paris where he probably met Nicolas Poussin, he returned to his hometown, becoming one of the leading exponents of Flemish classical Baroque.
In this painting, the moment is depicted when the shepherds reach the Nativity hut: the Virgin is portrayed proudly showing her child to the group of adoring shepherds, whilst Saint Joseph stands apart,
emphasising his role as protector and guardian of the Holy Family, rather than a direct protagonist of the divine event.
The theatricality of the scene is enhanced by the vivid, intense and brilliant colours, as well as by the power of the flashes of light that pierce the night-time setting.
Amplifying this aspect is the jubilant host of angels towering above the scene; some accompany the shepherds, introducing them to the presence of the Messiah and protecting them, whilst others, at the very top, playfully hold aloft the scroll announcing the birth of the Saviour.
This choice, too, is clearly inspired by the works of Rubens, whose paintings are renowned for their abundance of celestial figures, cherubs and angels that animate biblical or allegorical scenes with a sense of swirling movement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is complete with an attractive gilded frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional and insured carriers.
You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.
Please feel free to contact us for any further information.
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