Adoration of the Shepherds c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Jean-Baptiste de Poilly. The printmaking is exquisite, but I'm struggling with the slightly chaotic composition. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It is an organized chaos, isn't it? Think of it as a divine explosion. Poilly captures that moment when the earthly and heavenly collide. The shepherds, the angels – all drawn in by this improbable, miraculous event. It's almost as if the artist wants us to feel overwhelmed, yet drawn to it all the same. Don't you feel the energy? Editor: I do. It’s like being a part of something much bigger. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Art's all about that feeling, that connection, isn't it?