Domenico Ghirlandaio : Adoration of the Shepherds (1483-1485)

Ghirlandaio  (1448-1494) (original name Domenico di Tommaso Bighordi) was an early Renaissance painter of the Florentine school noted for his detailed narrative frescoes, which include many portraits of leading citizens in contemporary dress.  Ghirlandaio was part of the so-called "third generation" of the Florentine Renaissance, along with Verrocchio, the Pollaiolo brothers and Sandro Botticelli.

Domenico was the son of a goldsmith, and his nickname “Ghirlandaio” was derived from his father’s skill in making garlands. 

 

Ghirlandaio is credited as the teacher of Michelangelo. 

 

Ghirlandaio himself appears in the scene, dressed as a shepherd.

His left hand, with which he is pointing to the Christ Child, is finely drawn and is superbly modelled in three dimensions. With his right hand, his painting hand, he is pointing to his chest.