Renaissance Painting Analysis: The Adoration of the Shepherds

Yesterday, the students continued to analyze and teach each other about some of the beautiful Renaissance paintings that we'll see next week at the National Gallery of Art.

Here are some of the comments and questions about The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Giorgione.

Sam, Diego and Lilly M.: The Adoration of the Shepherds has several features of Renaissance paintings. The people and scenery are very realistic, and there are many hidden details in the background (for example, the running water). There are many bright colors, such as the blue, orange and green. There are several animals incorporated into this painting, like the cows in the cave.

Bjorn, Kalani, Lydia and Wynter: The outdoor landscape is an important part of this painting. Each person looks individual and unique, unlike in medieval paintings where many people look very similar. The colors are bright and vivid. Joseph and Mary are the same size as the shepherds, even though they were considered more important (in the Middle Ages, the most important people were painted larger than everyone else).

John, Lily L., Percy and Joey: Why is baby Jesus lying on the ground, instead of lying in a manger? Where are the wise men? Are the people in the background aware of the important event that is taking place?