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572 - Important Adoration of the Shepherds, workshop version by Jo…
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Estimate €16,000 - €60,000
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Description
Important Adoration of the Shepherds, workshop version by José de Ribera, 17th-century Neapolitan school Oil on canvas. A version most likely from the Spanish master’s workshop. The composition bears similarities to the one preserved in the Palace of El Escorial (Madrid) and was painted around 1640. Due to the poor condition of the work at El Escorial, scholars have some doubts about its authenticity. The best-preserved areas contain elements characteristic of Ribera’s work, but the documentation on the painting is somewhat contradictory. In the inventory compiled after the death of Charles II, a painting of a similar size is listed which could be this work, but there is no documentary evidence to confirm this hypothesis. The artist has placed the Virgin and Child at the centre of the composition, whilst shepherds adore the Child on either side, forming a circle. All are rendered in a naturalistic style, and their gestures and expressions, modelled on working-class subjects, are particularly striking. Saint Joseph is also depicted in a naturalistic style, whilst the Virgin, the Child and the choir of angels in the upper section are more idealised and classicist in style. The lighting is inspired by tenebrism, although in the background a cloudy sky can be seen with a sunset similar to that in *San Juan Bautista*. Framed dimensions: 267 x 174 cm; canvas dimensions: 254 x 159 cm
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About the sale GRAND SUMMER AUCTION OF HAUTE ÉPOQUE AND PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
Auction location
Auction time 06/29/2026 at 4:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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