very large altarpiece of the Birth of Christ, with Longinus, spear in his left hand, 8 life-size, full-length figures, and far off on a hill 9 little shepherds and angels

The Adoration of the Shepherds with Saint Longinus and Saint John the Evangelist

This imposing work by the Gonzaga’s court painter Giulio Romano was acquired as part of the Mantua sale. Giulio’s Nativity occupies the focal point of the room and is central to the prevailing theme of conception and birth. It forms a religious counterpoint to Titian’s pagan Pardo Venus.

Van der Doort c.1639

Giulio Romano

very large altarpiece of the Birth of Christ, with Longinus, spear in his left hand, 8 life-size, full-length figures, and far off on a hill 9 little shepherds and angels

Walpole Society reference (1960):

WS 18, № 11

Measurements (Van der Doort):

9ft x 6ft 1in (274.3 x 185.4cm)

Medium:

thick panel

Frame:

wooden carved and gilded frame

Provenance:

Mantua piece

Location:

Second and Middle Privy Lodging Room

Original Manuscript page number:

MS. Ash. 1514, f. 23

Other inventories:

Mantua 1627, no. 902 (600 lire)

Identification certainty:

Identified

Sale Inventory c.1649-51