The image depicts swirling lines and undefined shapes creating an abstract scene. The lines form a central circular gathering and above are curling shapes suggesting billowing clouds or drapery. Human features and forms emerge among the lines, resembling faces and limbs intertwined.
Gallery mode Full size at the museum

Window mode follows your eyes with your camera, in this browser only: no picture or position leaves your device.

Adoration of the Shepherds

Gaetano Gandolfi (Bolognese, 1734 - 1802)

1780s

Medium
etching and aquatint on laid paper
Classification
Print
Dimensions
sheet (trimmed within plate mark): 20.8 × 15.8 cm (8 3/16 × 6 1/4 in.)
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CG-E
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art