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Notes
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This is one of Titian's earliest surviving works. It shows the Adoration of the Shepherds -- the flying angel in the distance announces Christ's birth to them. Saint Joseph presents the infant Christ to a young shepherd, who kneels in reverence.It is unusual to find only one shepherd in attendance. The reason for this may be that Titian wished to emphasise the importance of Saint Joseph by making him central to the composition both in terms of action and position. The painting was probably made for a patron who was especially devoted to Saint Joseph, whose cult was strongly promoted in north Italy at this date. It was probably painted for a domestic setting.Titian's lack of training in drawing the figure is clear from the size of Saint Joseph's head in relation to his torso.
Title
The Holy Family with a Shepherd
Date
about 1510
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 99.1 x W 139.1 cm
Accession number
NG4
Acquisition method
Holwell Carr Bequest, 1831
Work type
Painting
The National Gallery, London
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England
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