Verkondiging aan de herders 1611 - 1661

"Verkondiging aan de herders" is a 17th-century etching of an anonymous artist depicting the biblical story of the Annunciation to the Shepherds. The etching, now located in the Rijksmuseum, shows a group of startled shepherds surrounded by animals as they witness an angel announcing the birth of Christ. The composition is dynamic, with the shepherds' faces contorted in surprise as they look up at the angel descending from a cloud. The artist's use of intricate hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and realism, enhancing the dramatic moment of the Annunciation. The etching, measuring just 114mm by 140mm, is a striking example of the religious imagery popular in 17th-century Dutch art.