The Adoration of the Shepherds
Jan de Bray
1665
In the stable in Bethlehem, three shepherds kneel worshipping the newborn baby Jesus. Mary is lifting the covers to show them the Child. The warm light and subdued colours lend an intimate atmosphere to the painting, which is reflected in the loving gestures of the figures.
Jan de Bray came from a Haarlem family of painters and architects, and specialised in portraits and history paintings.
oil on panel
63 x 48 cm.
Loan Stichting Vrienden van het Mauritshuis, 1997 (acquisition with the support of a private benefactor)