Adoration of the Shepherds

The Adoration of the Shepherds is a sensitive drawing attributed to an artist working after Nicolas Poussin (French, 1594-1665). Produced sometime between 1614 and 1665, this piece reflects the profound influence of the Baroque master's compositions and narrative clarity. Poussin was instrumental in shaping the classical tradition in French art, making copies and studies of his key compositions valuable artifacts for understanding the distribution and impact of his style across Europe. The work portrays the humble shepherds visiting the newborn Christ Child, a popular subject during this era that allowed artists to explore dramatic lighting and emotional reverence.

Classified as a drawing, this preparatory study demonstrates skillful use of pen and brown ink, combined with a brush and gray wash applied over cream laid paper. The artist meticulously used the wash technique to establish strong tonal contrasts, essential for modeling the figures and directing the viewer’s attention toward the central Nativity scene. This economical method emphasizes line and structure, qualities central to the Classicizing style championed by Poussin. The use of a gray wash suggests a focus on compositional preparation or detailed study rather than a richly colored, finished oil painting.

Representative of French artistic culture during the 17th century, this depiction of the Adoration is carefully preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a surviving example of drawings created following the compositions of a master like Poussin, this work provides critical insight into artistic practice and the dissemination of influential imagery in the Baroque era. Its status ensures its availability for scholarly review, and high-quality prints derived from this public domain artwork allow widespread study of Poussin's influential design.