Jose de Paez – Badge with Adoration of the Shepherds (Escudo con la adoracion de los pastores) Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The composition is contained within a shield-shaped frame, immediately suggesting a heraldic or symbolic purpose. Within this boundary unfolds a miniature devotional scene centered on the Nativity. Here we see a depiction of the Adoration of the Shepherds, rendered with a deliberate emphasis on emotional expression and dramatic lighting.
At the heart of the image lies the infant Christ, bathed in an ethereal glow emanating from above. He rests within a simple manger, his form delicately modeled to convey vulnerability and innocence. Flanking him are Mary and Joseph, their gestures laden with reverence and tenderness. Mary extends her arms towards the child, her face tilted upwards in adoration. Joseph stands beside her, holding a staff – a traditional symbol of his lineage and authority – and gazing at the infant with a mixture of awe and paternal protectiveness.
Above this central group floats God the Father, surrounded by a radiant halo. He appears to bestow blessings upon the scene below, his hands raised in a gesture of divine grace. Two cherubic figures hover nearby, their presence adding to the sense of celestial joy and celebration. A dove, representing the Holy Spirit, descends from above, further emphasizing the sacred nature of the event.
The artist employs a chiaroscuro technique – a stark contrast between light and shadow – to heighten the drama and focus attention on key elements. The strong lighting illuminates the faces of Mary and Joseph, drawing the viewers eye to their expressions of devotion. The darker background creates a sense of depth and mystery, while also isolating the figures within the shield-like frame.
The inscription circling the top edge of the shield – GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO ET TERRA PAX HOMINIBUS – directly quotes Luke’s Gospel (2:14), reinforcing the theological significance of the scene. The choice to present this familiar narrative within a heraldic format suggests an intention to convey not only religious piety but also a sense of authority and belonging, perhaps indicating its use as a personal emblem or symbol of allegiance.
The overall effect is one of profound reverence and emotional intensity. The small scale of the painting, combined with the shield-like presentation, lends it an intimate quality, suggesting that it was intended for private devotion rather than public display.