"Shepherds at the Birth of Christ"

The Narva Museum holds a captivating 18th-century painting titled "Shepherds at the Birth of Christ," offering a glimpse into the artistic depiction of this biblical scene from that era.

The biblical scene of the Shepherds' Adoration, a timeless inspiration in both ecclesiastical and secular art, is beautifully captured in the painting "Shepherds at the Birth of Christ" from the 18th century, housed in the Narva Museum. This artwork depicts three shepherds in awe of the newborn Christ, a common variation since the Bible does not specify their number. Their reverence and the pastoral staff, symbolizing their vocation, alongside figures like Joseph and a midwife in the background, enrich the narrative depth of this scene.

Tradition holds that the shepherds depicted were not ordinary shepherds; they tended lambs destined for sacrifice in the Temple of Jerusalem, indicating their deep religiosity. It's no coincidence they were the first to worship the infant Christ. 

Happy upcoming holiday!

"Shepherds at the Birth of Christ" (NLM _ 139:50 K 5:50); Narva Museum SA