Annunciation to the Shepherds / Adoration of the Shepherds in Religious Art

“Christian iconography expresses in images the same Gospel message that Scripture communicates by words. Image and word illuminate each other.” (CCC 1160)

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Annunciation to the Shepherds - Nicolaes Pietersz Berchem (1620 - 1683)

Luke 2: 8 -14 

Now there were shepherds in the region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.  The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.

Annunciation to the Shepherds - Abraham Bloemaert (1566 - 1651)

The angel said to them, "do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For today in the city of David a savior has been born to you who is Messiah and Lord. 

The Adoration of the Shepherds - Hugo van der Goes (c 1430/1440 - 1482)

And this will be a sign for you:  you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."  And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."     

Adoration of the Shepherds - El Greco (1541 - 1614)

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Picture Source - Public Domain

The Role of Religious Art in Faith Formation - Month of December 2019 Index