Adam Elsheimer(1578-1610) really captured the night sky and the glow of the moon and stars in this painting. One art historian mentioned that the night sky in this painting has the distinction of being one of the earliest representations in the art world of Galileo Galilei’s (1564 – 1642) of the Milky Way. Elsheimer is most well-known for his unique work with light and illumination and this oil on copper cabinet painting might be his most well-known work. He completed this painting in 1609.
Whether a victim of poor photography or lighting, it’s hard to see the figures in this painting huddled around a fire. Based upon the title of the work, it would seem this painting depicts Biblical history.