Flemish school; c. 1600.

Flemish school; c. 1600.
"Adoration of the shepherds".
Oil on copper.
Measurements: 21 x 15,5 cm; 32 x 27 cm (frame).
In this copper we see a very repeated theme throughout the History of Art, that of the adoration of the shepherds. The scene is approached from an idealized point of view, full of eloquent gestures, especially the gesture of the Virgin, who takes with her fine fingers the cloth that cradles the Child Jesus and he raises his gaze towards her. Surrounding the newborn are the humble figures of two shepherds, and Joseph, together with Mary.
The Flemish school was characterized by the great influence of the Flemish primitives, which survived for a long time, largely due to the political and cultural ties between the two countries. Flemish painting was, in the 15th century, the most advanced in Europe, and influenced all national schools, including Italian. It was considered an art of enormous refinement, with works executed and treated as jewels. This consideration was also due to the very rich materials used in its execution, as well as the assemblies of the tables, which, as we see here, were of great richness. The features of the Flemish school are close to those of Flemish painting, starting with the maximum concern of the painters of Flanders, the search for reality above all else. In connection with this desire, enormous attention is paid to the qualities of the objects, as well as to the smallest details, often endowed with a symbolic charge. The iconography continues to be mainly religious, and in the scenes a correct and precise, very meticulous drawing will predominate. In the same way, they try to capture the truest possible illumination, whether artificial or natural, always modeling the flesh tones and producing chiaroscuro to a greater or lesser degree.