Verkondiging aan de herders 1626 - 1671

This is Sebastien Bourdon's "Annunciation to the Shepherds," etched with ink on paper. In this print, angels appear to shepherds, proclaiming the birth of the world's savior. The motif of the angel, descending from the heavens to deliver a divine message, is a powerful one, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. We see echoes of this scene in ancient depictions of Iris, the Greek messenger of the gods, or even in the Egyptian Thoth, bridging the divine and mortal realms. Observe how the shepherds respond—some are startled, others reverent. This contrast reflects the psychological impact of encountering the divine. The symbol of the angel, however, has evolved. No longer just a figure of religious significance, it has become a universal symbol of hope, guidance, and intervention. The image engages us on a deep, subconscious level, evoking a sense of awe, fear, and the possibility of divine intervention in our own lives. The angel’s message, once specific to a particular time and place, now resonates more broadly, a testament to the symbol's cyclical progression and enduring power.