Adoration of the Shepherds after Gerrit van Honthorst

19th century

Oil on Canvas

60 x 32 in.

A faithful and monumental 19th-century rendition of van Honthorst's "Adoration of the Shepherds," one of the many priceless works of art destroyed in 1993 when the Sicilian Mafia bombed the Uffizi Gallery.

Gerard (Gerrit) van Honthorst (1592–1656) was a Dutch Golden Age painter known for his mastery of chiaroscuro and his contributions to the Utrecht Caravaggisti movement. Born in Utrecht, Honthorst studied in Italy and was greatly influenced by the work of Caravaggio. His art is characterized by dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, and he excelled in creating realistic and emotive scenes. Honthorst's early career was marked by success, and he gained international acclaim for his innovative use of light. He later became a court painter in England and Sweden, further establishing his reputation. Throughout his life, Honthorst's paintings ranged from religious and historical subjects to portraits and genre scenes, leaving a lasting impact on the Dutch Baroque art movement.