SARACENI, Carlo
(b. 1579, Venezia, d. 1620, Venezia)

Adoration of the Shepherds

c. 1614
Oil on copper, 40 x 29 cm
Private collection

The painting shows the influence of the work of both Adam Elsheimer (to whom the painting was once attributed) and Caravaggio, two artists who profoundly affected Saraceni's style in Rome. It stands out for its subtle effects of light and complex compositional arrangement with seven light sources - the moon, the fire in the distance at right, the four candles held by the figures and the heavenly radiance of the Christ Child.