Following a four-year study journey to Italy and France, Joachim Wtewael returned to Utrecht in 1592. He is one of the most important Mannerist painters. Not only the colours in The adoration of the shepherds are typical of the Mannerist style, but also the elongated figures with their exaggerated poses. Wtewael introduced a great many Arcadian themes and motifs. For instance, the shepherd with the lamb on his shoulders is the first one painted 'all'antica' (based on the Classical model) to be placed in a nativity scene.