Adoration of the Child
circa 1620
Gerard van Honthorst was so obsessed with painting night scenes lit by candles that Italians nicknamed him 'Gerard of the Nights.' In this glowing nativity scene, he ditches the candles for something brighter: the baby Jesus himself acts as the light source! You can see the warm, golden glow radiating from the infant, illuminating the awestruck faces of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds from below. It’s a masterclass in Baroque drama, making the holy family look like they are huddled around a divine campfire in the dark.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
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