Large High Relief In Gilded And Polychromed Wood, The Adoration Of The Shepherds, Circa 1500

Large high relief in carved and gilded wood, with numerous traces of polychromy, representing the Adoration of the shepherds. The evangelist Luke first indicates that the scene takes place at night. A sudden light which frightens the shepherds signals the arrival of an angel who announces to them "great joy". He gives them a sign: they will find "a newborn baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. The shepherds hastened to Bethlehem and discovered Mary, Joseph and the newborn. They spread the news and return to their flocks "glorifying and praising God". Gloria in excelsis Deo, as indicated in the phylactery at the top left of the high relief. Northern Italy or Tyrol, circa 1500-1520. .