Adoration of the Shepherds, Matthias Stom

Comments

2 responses to “Adoration of the Shepherds, Matthias Stom”

1. 

   Christopher Hitchens

   December 26, 2020

   What do you think is up with all the hands in this painting? Did Stom like to paint hands, was he showing his skill? Do the hands symbolize something? Did the shepherds all want to “get their hands on him?” Do they want to gather him up and take care of him, like one of their lambs ? Is it a case of shepherds acknowledging him as one of their own? Do the hands express something? Some emotion?
   1. 

      Charley Parker

      December 31, 2020

      While there has often been a significance to the presentation of hands in religious painting, I think that was more prevalent in the Renaissance than in the Baroque era. In the 17th century, religious symbolism gave way to more commercial concerns, as the market for paintings broadened to the include the new wealthy merchant class. My best guess about this painting is that the hands are given prominence to both to add visual interest and, as you mentioned, to show off the painter’s skill to other potential patrons.