The Adoration of the Shepherds by Giorgione

Painting by Giorgione showing shepherds and the Holy Family worshiping Jesus after the Nativity.
Giorgione (Venetian, 1477/1478 – 1510), The Adoration of the Shepherds, 1505/1510, oil on panel, Samuel H. Kress Collection 1939.1.289

The Gallery calls Giorgione “one of the most mysterious artists in the history of art.” We’ll talk about his innovative landscape style and where he got the idea for this gorgeous and unusual depiction of the Nativity.

We’ll also find out the meaning of rocks and just what the heck is up with those floating baby heads at the top of the cave!

SHOW NOTES

“A Long Look” theme is Ascension by Ron Gelinas

Episode theme is Almain I (For Bassoon and Harp – Höger-Rønnes) composed by John Bull, performed by Mac Playback Harp. Courtesy of musopen.org.

The Adoration of the Shepherds information
https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.432.html

In Depth: Madonna and Child by Gretchen Hirschauer, Associate Curator, Italian and Spanish Paintings

Cherub information
Hopler, Whitney. The Differences Between Cherubs, Cupids, and Other Angels in Art. ThoughtCo, Jun. 22, 2018, thoughtco.com/cherubs-and-cupids-angels-of-love-124005.

Giorgione information
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giorgione

Slow Art Day

RECOMMENDED READING

Inventing the Renaissance Putto by Charles Dempsey

Portrait of Ginevra de’ Benci by Leonardo da Vinci

Portrait of Ginevra de Benci by Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci (Florentine, 1452 – 1519), Ginevra de’ Benci [obverse], c. 1474/1478, oil on panel, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund 1967.6.1.a

Welcome back for Season 2! I’m starting off with one of the Gallery’s greatest hits, the portrait of Ginevra de’ Benci by Leonardo da Vinci. It’s the only painting by Leonardo in America!

We’ll explore this unusual two-sided work, find out the story behind the strange combination of plants on the back and even learn a little Latin. I’ll also tell you where you can find Leonardo’s fingerprint!

close up showing Leonardo's fingerprint
Reverse side of Portrait of Ginevra de' Benci
Leonardo da Vinci (Florentine, 1452 – 1519), Wreath of Laurel, Palm, and Juniper with a Scroll inscribed Virtutem Forma Decorat [reverse], c. 1474/1478, tempera on panel, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund 1967.6.1.b
SHOW NOTES

“A Long Look” theme is “Ascension” by Ron Gelinas youtu.be/jGEdNSNkZoo

Episode theme is “Galliard, Parthenia XIII (For Bassoon and Harp – Feller-Rønnes)” composed by John Bull. Performed by Mac Playback Harp.
https://musopen.org/music/31808-galliard-parthenia-xiii/

Ginevra de’ Benci information
https://www.nga.gov/collection/highlights/da-vinci-ginevra-de-benci.html

https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.50724.html#relatedpages

Slow Art Day http://www.slowartday.com

RECOMMENDED READING

Virtue and Beauty: Leonardo’s Ginevra de’ Benci and Renaissance Portraits of Women (PDF)