Adoration of the shepherds

Jan Steen made a pretty Adoration with a very cosy, domestic atmosphere.

To the left a boy lights a fire, to warm a can. Perhaps there is soup in it? Joseph is given a dish with eggs - a far more useful gift than gold, frankincense and myrrh. In the background more shepherds approach, with their wifes and children.

To the right someone plays the pipes. It must have been quite a party!

The most quiet place in the composition is the manger, placed between Mary and the kneeling shepherd.