Adoration of the Shepherdsc. 1650 · Study 1968.100

Context from the museum

Cavallino worked in Naples where he was not well known during his lifetime, but was alert to the work of contemporaries whose innovations he transformed with extraordinary delicacy and charm. The adoration of the shepherds is a traditional subject, but here Cavallino shows it in a new light. The focus is on Mary, indicating that she alone is aware of the angels who flutter above with ribbons proclaiming Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Glory to God in the highest). Joseph and the shepherds stolidly regard the child, but the sweetness of Mary's expression simultaneously reveals her love, pride, and humility.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

A detail to notice

The artist signed this painting with his monogram “BC” on the rump of the ox.

Observation supplied by the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Adoration of the Shepherds is 148.3 cm wide and 126.8 cm high, equivalent to approximately 58.4 × 49.9 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 1.17:1. The rectangular bounding area is 1.88 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 49.4% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 75.8 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Adoration of the Shepherds in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on canvas, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this horizontal composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 148.3 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?