Shepherds on Their Way to the Nativity from a Book of Hours c. 1495

This miniature, "Shepherds on Their Way to the Nativity," is a beautiful example of the work of Jean Poyet, a French painter active in the late 15th century. The miniature, painted on parchment, is part of a Book of Hours and depicts three shepherds making their way to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Christ. The miniature's intricate details, including the landscape, the shepherds' clothing, and the distant town, showcase Poyet's skill as an illuminator. The work's vivid colors and meticulous attention to detail make it a captivating example of Early Netherlandish art. The miniature is now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.