Merry Christmas

December 15, 2015 / Ray Downing

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617-1682). Adoration of the Shepherds, c. 1657. Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain. — Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617-1682). *Adoration of the Shepherds*, c. 1657. Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.

This painting is particularly striking because of its emotion and realism. The expressions on the shepherds' faces and their gestures all give a sense of humanity and help break the barrier between the painting and the viewer. This connection is further reinforced by details such as the shepherd's dirty feet and the presence of the animals.

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