The Adoration of the Shepherds by a Dutch Master, 1st half of the 17th century Oil on oak panel, framed. Portrayal of a story from the New Testament, Luke 2.8-20. The biblical scene is grouped around the Christ child with aureole in the crib, closely surrounded by Mary, Joseph, and two praying angels. On the right side of the picture two shepherds in reverential pose. In the foreground a young mother holding a child on her arm, who seems to face the spectator, just like the young man. While she points at the Christ child, he makes the sign of the cross with his right hand, the universal symbol of Christianity. This group can be a representation of the painter and his family or the client's family. The night sky is illuminated by a mystical light, typical for the genre of "night pictures", with the star of Bethlehem and two small angels hovering above the scene. This was a popular theme among Flemish pupils, which was taken up frequently by many artists such as Peter Paul Rubens and Jakob Jordaens. Image size 39 x 60 cm, frame size 57 x 78 cm. Condition: II