Adoration of the Shepherds 17th-18th century

Paolo De Matteis made this drawing of the Adoration of the Shepherds with graphite on paper. It depicts the Virgin Mary and newborn Jesus surrounded by humble shepherds, with angels hovering above. De Matteis was working in Naples, a city then under Spanish rule, where the Catholic Church was a major power. His artistic production was shaped by these circumstances, often emphasizing religious subjects to appeal to the values of his patrons, which in turn supported the cultural norms of the time. The church played a significant role in dictating artistic styles, and it is no surprise that De Matteis spent much of his time producing art that reflected the church's views. The Adoration of the Shepherds is interesting because of the message it conveys; it suggests that even the lowliest people are worthy of respect. The image might be considered progressive for its time, because although Naples was heavily segregated, it acknowledges the value of the poor. To fully understand this artwork, it is important to consider the institutional and social context in which it was created, including the history of the Catholic Church in Naples and the social dynamics of the time.