Antonio d′ Enrico (called Tanzio da Varallo) – Adoration of the Shepherds with Saints Francis and Carlo Borromeo Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The composition centers around a scene of reverence and humility, illuminated by a dramatic chiaroscuro effect that emphasizes key figures while plunging others into shadow. A central infant lies within a simple woven basket, bathed in the brightest light – the focal point of adoration. The child’s pose is active, an arm extended as if reaching out to those gathered around.
Several individuals are arranged around this core event. To the left, a figure clad in vibrant red robes gestures towards the infant with a staff, his expression conveying both piety and authority. Beside him stands a woman, her face turned downwards in quiet contemplation; she is draped in modest blue garments, indicative of her maternal role.
On the right side of the scene, a man dressed as a Franciscan friar kneels, his gaze fixed on the infant with an expression of profound devotion. He is surrounded by other figures – shepherds and onlookers – who are rendered with varying degrees of detail and emotional engagement. One shepherd holds a long horn or flute, suggesting pastoral life and perhaps a symbolic connection to divine music. A young boy peers from behind another figure, adding a sense of immediacy and youthful wonder to the gathering.
The artist’s use of light is particularly noteworthy. The stark contrast between illuminated areas and deep shadows creates a theatrical atmosphere, drawing attention to the spiritual significance of the moment. The darkness that envelops much of the background serves to isolate the scene, intensifying its emotional impact.
Beyond the immediate narrative, there are subtle subtexts at play. The presence of both shepherds and figures in ecclesiastical vestments suggests a bridging of social divides – the divine made accessible to all levels of society. The Franciscan friar’s inclusion hints at themes of poverty, humility, and spiritual renewal, aligning with Counter-Reformation ideals that emphasized personal piety and direct engagement with religious experience. The overall impression is one of profound reverence, emphasizing the sacredness of the infant and the transformative power of faith.