Englen viser vej for hyrderne 1599 - 1642

Pieter van Laer made this drawing, "The Angel Shows the Way to the Shepherds," sometime in the first half of the 17th century. During this period, depictions of religious scenes often served as vehicles for exploring the social hierarchy. Here, the celestial and the terrestrial meet, revealing a divide between the divine and the mortal. Van Laer’s choice to represent shepherds highlights the intersection of class and spirituality, as these figures, historically among the lowest social strata, are chosen as recipients of a divine message. The angel, a symbol of grace, bridges the gap between heaven and earth, yet the shepherds' reactions suggest a mix of awe and terror. This scene doesn’t just tell a biblical story; it reflects the emotional and social landscape of its time, inviting us to consider how messages of hope and salvation are received across different walks of life.