Hans (or Johann) von Achen (Cologne 1552 - Prague 1615) workshopThe Adoration of the Shepherds Oil on canvas 112 x 90 cm / Framed 125 x 102 cm The painting we are pleased to offer you, a work of excellent pictorial quality, illustrates the episode of the Nativity with the Adoration of the Shepherds; it draws its compositional idea from the altarpiece that Hans von Achen (Cologne 1552 - Prague 1615) created for the Gothic Evangelical Church of Stitnik (fig. 1), which is still set in the main altar of the nave. From a technical point of view, we are inclined to consider our work as an interesting example from the workshop of Von Achen, therefore datable between the end of the sixteenth century or the early seventeenth century. The iconography, which enjoyed great success already at the time thanks to the printing of Jan Sadeler (*), was depicted in countless versions. (*) https://www.lombardiabeniculturali.it/stampe/schede/1q030-00306/?view=autori&offset=0&hid=4456&sort=sort_int Therefore, several works are known both made by the painter and executed by followers, often with some variations: we can mention the one in the Sabauda gallery in Turin (fig. 2) (https://lavenaria.it/en/node/2052), the one in the Kunsthistorisches Museum (fig.3) (https://www.khm.at/objektdb/detail/27/) or the one in the Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery (fig.4) (https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/nativity-scene-136365). The moment when the shepherds reach the Nativity hut is represented: the Virgin, with Saint Joseph at her side and two magnificent angels participating in the event, is portrayed while proudly showing her child to the group of shepherds in adoration. Three other playful angels hold the cartouche with the announcement of the birth of the Savior. The theatricality of the scene, which echoes the same structure of the original prototype, is enhanced by the bright, intense and brilliant colors, as well as by the force of the rays of light that pierce the setting of the nocturnal context. Of German origin, Hans von Aachen was one of the best protagonists of international Mannerism between the two centuries; his life was characterized by a long pilgrimage that, from his native city of Cologne, led him to stay for more than a decade in Italy, precisely in Venice (documented in 1574), then in Rome, where he created the altarpiece of the Adoration of the Shepherds, and again in Florence (until about 1587). He then went to Germany, before moving permanently to Prague, in 1592, where he worked at the service of that patron who was Rudolf II (1552-1612). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The work is sold complete with a pleasant frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/