Adoration of the Shepherds – Victoria & Albert Museum – London
The fresco, originally executed in the Oratorio della Confraternita dell’Annunziata in Fontignano, was detached and transferred to a triangular canvas.
Realized in 1523, it is probably the last work by Perugino, who died of plague at the age of 75 while he was working in Fontignano; the right side was in fact completed by the students of his workshop.
The main subject, the Nativity, is represented at the center of the composition: Jesus the Child is in fact softly laid on a purple mantle resting on the ground, under a wooden hut; behind him the ox and the donkey are both inside a fence.
On Baby Jesus’ sides, Joseph and Mary are on their knees, their eyes turned towards their son and their hands clasped in prayer, while behind them two groups of shepherds are depicted in adoration; two angels are floating in the air, attending the scene.
All the figures are characterized by a strong plasticity, due to the static poses and the strong drapery of the garments that wraps the bodies.
The scene takes place in a hilly landscape, which fades into haze on the background, creating the effect of an infinite perspective thanks to the aerial perspective; the colors are bright and lively, and pastel shades give a sense of softness to the entire composition.
The work is preserved at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
