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.
