Annunciation to the shepherds c. 1856 - 1857

Victor Müller's sketch at the Städel Museum presents the Annunciation to the Shepherds, capturing a pivotal moment with divine messengers heralding momentous news. Note the angel's outstretched arms; a gesture resonating through time. This motif echoes in ancient art, seen in depictions of orators and deities bestowing blessings. In antiquity, such a pose symbolized authority and divine favor. Yet, here, it transcends mere dominance, becoming a beacon of hope for the humble shepherds. Consider the angel’s form—ethereal, yet distinctly human. This reflects humanity’s enduring need to see the divine in relatable terms. These recurring symbols—angelic figures, divine light, and gestures of blessing—illustrate a collective yearning embedded deep within the human psyche. The sketch thus becomes a testament to our shared cultural memory, an exploration of how symbols continually evolve, carrying echoes of the past into the present.