Trip to the Blanton

The painting I chose to analyze is called "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Domenico Piola an Italian artist who painting during the Baroque period. He was a leading artist in Genoa, and developed a skill of imitating the work of Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione. For this particular piece Piola was quoting from Castiglione's Adoration of the Shepherds that was an alter piece at the church of San Luca in Genoa.

This is Castiglione's Adoration of the Shepherds

This work depicts the nativity scene, the birth of baby Jesus with the Virgin Mary and shepherds as witnesses. All focus is casted onto the radiant baby, Piola emphasizes this point through the glowing light which surrounds both the mother and child. Not only does he use contrasting of lights and darks to draw the eye of the viewer. He also uses many animals in the painting to symbolize peace and tranquility. The Roosters are resting under the baby's cradle, and it is very relaxed because they share the same space with the humans. It is a depiction of the acceptance and respect they have for this superior being. The unification of the relationship of animals and humans.