Verkondiging aan de herders 1621

Nicolaes de Bruyn's "Verkondiging aan de herders" is a black and white engraving that depicts the biblical story of the Annunciation to the Shepherds. The scene takes place in a nighttime landscape, with a central angel appearing in the sky, surrounded by cherubs and radiating light. Below, the startled shepherds look up in awe as the angel announces the birth of Jesus. De Bruyn's detailed depiction of the figures and the natural world reflects the artistic sensibilities of the early 17th century, with an emphasis on realism and perspective. The engraving is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.