The Son shines in The Adoration of the Shepherds by Guido Reni

This huge painting tugs shamelessly at heartstrings, yet also seems deeply felt and honest. Guido Reni painted an equally imposing version of the same story for the Certosa di S Martino in Naples, and it makes sense to think of this picture too – which is in the National Gallery – as a great uninhibited piece of popular Christianity, merging with the Baroque pinnacles of Naples that look like marble Christmas trees, and the carved crib-scenes sold there. As bright and bold as street theatre, this is a painting of the people, for the people
Illustration: Photograph: The National Gallery, London