The Adoration of the Shepherds

Agostino Masucci

Associated Names
Agostino Masucci

Artist, Roman, 1691 - 1758

The sketch depicts four figures. In the center, two seated figures are with one holding a baby. The figure to the left is standing and leaning forward with arms outstretched. Another figure on the far left is in a kneeling position. The clothing is depicted in flowing lines typical of draped garments. The background has lightly sketched lines. The image is sketched in sepia tones.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Joseph F. McCrindle Collection

  • Dimensions

    mount: 46.1 x 29.4 cm (18 1/8 x 11 9/16 in.)
    sheet: 8.2 x 10.7 cm (3 1/4 x 4 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2009.70.163.b

Associated Artworks

See all 4 artworks
The artwork consists of multiple smaller sketches within a single composition depicting figures in different religious or historical scenarios. There are robed figures engaging in what appears to be sacred or ceremonial acts, depicted lightly with ink and graphite on paper. The upper section shows two robed figures interacting and a small cherub-like figure above them. Below, on the left, a scene with multiple figures surrounding a central figure lying in repose. On the right, there’s a similar depiction with two standing figures. At the bottom, another group of figures in what looks like an offering or presentation scene, with a seated figure presenting a small child. Fine lines and shading convey depth and expression in the drawing, suggesting a delicate and detailed approach to the depiction of these classical scenes.

Studies of an Apostle Guided by an Angel and the Adoration of the Shepherds

Agostino Masucci

1720

The image is a sketch containing two adult figures and one cherub-like figure. The adults are standing facing each other, while the cherub is floating above them horizontally. The adults have beards and curly hair, wearing draped robes. The cherub has wings and a draped cloth around its body. The background is plain with an off-white paper and a simple border.

An Apostle Guided by an Angel

Agostino Masucci

1691

This is a drawing of two figures and a cherub-like being. The drawing is executed in a soft reddish-brown medium. On the left, a figure is depicted in profile, holding a staff or walking stick. On the right, another figure is engaged in a dynamic pose, gesturing up towards a small cherub floating above. The cherub is depicted with simplified features and wings. The composition is contained within a rectangular border, emphasizing the figures and their interactions. The minimalist linework suggests it could be a draft or study for a larger work.

An Apostle Guided by an Angel

Agostino Masucci

1691

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Sir Robert L. Mond [1867-1938], London (Lugt 2813a) as by Carlo Maratta; sale, Christie's, London, 7 July 1959, lot 139; (P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., Ltd., London [stock no. A23760 CO, written at lower right in graphite on the mount]); Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York, 1959; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2012

  • The McCrindle Gift: A Distinguished Collection of Drawings and Watercolors. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2012, 84-85, no. 31 (entry by Lara Langer).

Wikidata ID

Q64533485

You may be interested in

Loading Results