L’Adorazione dei pastori (1450)

Mantegna, Andrea (c.1431-1506)

L’Adorazione dei pastori (The Adoration of the Shepherds)
shortly after 1450
Tempera on canvas, transferred from wood, 40 x 55.6 cm
Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York

Painted when the artist was probably in his early twenties, the picture is notable for its exquisite detail. It may have been commissioned by Borso d’Este, the duke of Ferrara, and its style seems to be a response to the vogue there for Netherlandish painting. Although transferred from wood to canvas, the painting is in excellent condition. (MET)