Dramatic landscape scene of winged figures in upper left clouds and small group of shepherds and animals in lower right.　
Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College

Many winged cherubs float around in illuminated space in upper left corner. One adult winged figure with left arm raised in benediction stands out, looking down toward the shepherds who are scattered about along with their sheep, cattle, and dogs in various action poses. Light from the angelic scene above falls onto the shepherd area, cutting through the deep dark landscape of rocks, gnarled trees, and thick foliage that separate the heavenly realm from the earthly gathering. One man stands near the center bottom wearing a robe and hat, looking towards the viewer while shepherds are scattered about.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1990.83
People
Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn, Dutch (Leiden 1606 - 1669 Amsterdam)
Title
The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds
Other Titles
Alternate Title: Annunciation to the Shepherds
Classification
Prints
Work Type
print
Date
1634
Culture
Dutch
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/221183

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Etching, engraving, and drypoint on white antique laid paper, discolored to tan
Technique
Etching, engraving and drypoint
Dimensions
sheet: 25.8 × 21.5 cm (10 3/16 × 8 7/16 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • inscription: in plate, lower edge, right corner: Rembrandt. f. 1634.
  • collector's mark: verso, brown stamp with graphite numbering below: [Fogg Museum accession stamp (Lugt 936)] 14,476
  • inscription: verso, various graphite inscriptions: darker x / M. 6773 / RHG/ [or RHS/ or KHG/ or KHS/; none of these in Lugt)]

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

State
iii/vi
Standard Reference Number
New Hollstein 125, Bartsch 44, Hind 120

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Busch-Reisinger Museum, Museum Collection
Accession Year
1990
Object Number
1990.83
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu