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DiaporamaThe Angel appearing to the Shepherds
Oil On Canvas- WallArt
- Romantic Painting
1769- Early Modern
40.0 x 56.0 cm
The Ashmolean Museum of Art And Archaeology
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Giclée / Art Print
Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (
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The Angel appearing to the Shepherds
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 63
Collectible Description
The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds: A Baroque Vision of Divine Revelation
Philip James de Loutherbourg’s “The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds,” painted circa 1760–1769, stands as a cornerstone of Romantic art and a testament to Francesco Giuseppe Casanova's masterful artistic training. Housed within the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford, this oil on canvas masterpiece transcends mere depiction; it embodies an idealized vision of faith and wonder—a scene meticulously rendered with Baroque techniques that continue to captivate viewers centuries later.
- Subject Matter: The painting captures a pivotal moment from the Nativity narrative – the angelic visitation of shepherds guarding their flocks in Bethlehem. De Loutherbourg skillfully portrays this biblical tale, emphasizing the spiritual significance of divine intervention and the humble acceptance of God’s grace.
- Style & Technique: Loutherbourg adheres to Baroque principles, prioritizing dramatic lighting and theatrical composition. The artist employs chiaroscuro—the interplay between light and shadow—to sculpt figures and create a palpable sense of atmosphere. Notice how the soft glow emanating from the angel illuminates the shepherds’ faces, conveying reverence and awe.
- Historical Context: Created during the Enlightenment, “The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds” reflects the burgeoning interest in religious iconography alongside scientific observation. It aligns with the Romantic movement's emphasis on emotion and imagination—a deliberate departure from Neoclassical restraint—marking a crucial transition in artistic sensibilities.
- Symbolism: The angel’s outstretched wings symbolize divine protection and guidance, while the shepherds’ posture embodies humility and devotion. The landscape backdrop serves as a symbolic representation of God's creation – serene yet imbued with spiritual majesty.
- Emotional Impact: De Loutherbourg’s masterful brushstrokes evoke feelings of tranquility, piety, and profound contemplation. The painting invites viewers to contemplate the miracle of Christmas and the transformative power of faith—a timeless message conveyed through exquisitely crafted visual artistry.
Measuring 40 x 56 cm, “The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds” exemplifies Loutherbourg’s dedication to capturing both realism and spiritual grandeur. Its signature in the lower right corner confirms its authenticity as a work of considerable artistic merit.
This artwork is available for reproduction under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence (CC BY-NC-ND). Download it here: https://artuk.org/download/the-angel-appearing-to-the-shepherds-142298
Explore more about this artwork on Art UK: http://www.ashmolean.org/collections/paintings/the-angel-appearing-to-the-shepherds
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Artist Biography
Philip James de Loutherbourg: A Life of Art, Theatre, and Intrigue
- Born: Strasbourg, France (1740)
- Died: 1812
Philip James de Loutherbourg, also known as Philip Jacques de Loutherbourg, was a Franco-British painter celebrated for his dramatic depictions of naval battles, expansive landscapes, and innovative contributions to theatre design. His career spanned several decades, marked by artistic versatility, a brief foray into the occult, and significant influence on subsequent generations of artists.
Early Life and Artistic Training
Born in Strasbourg in 1740, Loutherbourg’s early life was shaped by his father, an engraver and miniaturist. Initially destined for the ministry, he abandoned this path to pursue a career in art. His formal training began in Paris under Charles-André van Loo and Francesco Giuseppe Casanova. Loutherbourg quickly demonstrated exceptional talent, gaining recognition at the Salon of 1763 with his landscape featuring figures and animals. He continued to exhibit successfully at subsequent Salons, earning praise from influential critics like Denis Diderot. In 1767, he was elected to the French Academy, a testament to his burgeoning reputation.
Career in England: Naval Scenes, Landscapes, and Theatre
In 1771, Loutherbourg relocated to London, where he quickly established himself as a prominent artist. A key introduction by David Garrick led to significant commissions for stage designs at the Drury Lane Theatre. His theatrical innovations were groundbreaking, including the creation of the Eidophusikon in 1781 – a mechanical theatre that utilized perspective and illusionistic effects to create immersive scenes. This invention showcased his ingenuity and marked him as a pioneer in theatrical technology.
Simultaneously, Loutherbourg gained renown for his history paintings, particularly his depictions of naval battles. His most famous work, Lord Howe's Action, or the Glorious First of June (1795), commemorated a significant British victory and established him as a leading chronicler of maritime events. His landscapes, while sometimes criticized for being somewhat theatrical, captured the picturesque beauty of the English countryside and reflected contemporary aesthetic ideals.
- Notable Works: Lord Howe's Action, or the Glorious First of June, The Destruction of the Armada, Coalbrookdale by Night
A Period of Occult Interests and Later Years
In a surprising turn, Loutherbourg temporarily abandoned painting in 1789 to pursue an interest in alchemy and the supernatural. He became associated with Alessandro di Cagliostro, a notorious figure known for his fraudulent claims of immortality and occult powers. Loutherbourg traveled with Cagliostro before his condemnation to death, though details of this period remain somewhat obscure. Following public opposition to his faith-healing practices, he returned to painting, focusing on history subjects and continuing to produce landscapes and portraits.
Legacy and Influence
Philip James de Loutherbourg left a lasting legacy as a versatile artist who bridged the gap between history painting, landscape art, and theatrical design. His innovative Eidophusikon influenced later developments in stagecraft, while his dramatic naval scenes captured the spirit of an era defined by maritime power. His work can be found in numerous museums worldwide, including the National Maritime Museum and the British Museum. He is also recognized for influencing artists like J.M.W. Turner, demonstrating his significant contribution to the development of Romantic art in Britain.
Philip James de Loutherbourg
1740 - 1812 , France
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Romanticism
- Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Turner']
- Date Of Birth: 1740-10-31
- Date Of Death: 1812-03-11
- Full Name: Philip James de Loutherbourg
- Nationality: Franco-British
- Notable Artworks:
- Lord Howe's Action, or the Glorious First of June
- The Destruction of the Armada
- Coalbrookdale by Night
- Horseman and Cattle in a Thunderstorm
- Place Of Birth: Strasbourg, France
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