The Annunciation to the Shepherds, Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1655

The Annunciation to the Shepherds, Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1655

pen and brown ink, with opaque white, some areas deliberately rubbed with a finger or wet brush; framing line in brown ink, h 189mm × w 280mm Catalogue entry

In this third Annunciation to the Shepherds, the scenario is considerably calmer than in the two earlier versions. The angel occupies a much less prominent place. The standing shepherd raises his arms in terror and amazement, but makes no move to flee. The animals seem oblivious: the sheep sleep peacefully, the cows remain undisturbed.

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