Attributed to Girolamo Siciolante known as da Sermoneta (Sermoneta, 1521 - Rome, 1575)
Adoration of the Shepherds
Oil on copper, 39 x 29.5 cm
Frame 47 x 39 cm
The refined taste, the elaborate poses, the definition of the anatomies, and the vibrant light suggest that this painting is by the hand of a Mannerist painter active during the 16th century. In particular, the composition and stylistic research allow us to attribute the panel to Girolamo Siciolante known as da Sermoneta (1521 – 1575). He received his initial training under the guidance of Leonardo Grazia known as da Pistoia (1502 – 1548). He later settled in Rome where he had the opportunity to see the painting of Raphael and Michelangelo firsthand and where he was first a student and then a collaborator of Perin del Vaga (1501 – 1547). He settled in Rome where he received numerous commissions and participated in the decoration of numerous churches, such as the church of S. Maria dell'Anima, where there is a cycle with Stories of the Virgin, including a Nativity of the Virgin, a Presentation of the Virgin and a Visitation that present stylistic and formal consonances with the copper analyzed here. Another interesting stylistic comparison can be made with a fresco in the Vatican Palaces, depicting Pepin, King of the Franks, donating the territory of Astolfo, King of the Lombards, to the Church.
Around 1545, he traveled to Emilia, where he became acquainted with the works of Garofalo (1476 - 1559) and Bagnacavallo (1484 -1542). This experience opened his culture to Emilian influences as well, with a classicist taste. The particular use of light in this copper confers a rare charm and quality to the composition: the light ignites and gives a mystical charm to the main figures, the center of the work, and in the same way, more subtly and softly, it ignites the other figures and the background, which fades into a broad architectural perspective.
The Adoration of the Shepherds is an event in the life of Jesus described in the Gospel of Luke (2:8-20): at the time of his birth in Bethlehem some shepherds are warned of the event by an angel and go to worship the newborn. The Gospel of Luke is the only one of the canonical Gospels to narrate the episode. While some shepherds were watching their flock in the open, an angel appeared to them, and they were frightened. The angel reassured them and told them that a Savior, Jesus, was born in Bethlehem; he also gave them a sign, that in Bethlehem they would find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Immediately afterwards, a group of angels appeared, singing the words "Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace on earth to men whom he loves". After the angels disappeared, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to visit Jesus and returned to their flock full of joy, praising God.
The back of the copper is embellished with a representation of St. Joseph with the Child.
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