“The Annunciation to the Shepherds” is an exquisite artwork crafted by the renowned Limbourg brothers, using the medium of vellum. This illustration belongs to the International Gothic art movement and is part of the esteemed “Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry” series. Currently, it is housed in the Musée Condé in Chantilly, France.
The artwork vividly depicts the biblical scene of the Annunciation to the Shepherds with remarkable detail and vibrant colors. The upper portion features a celestial chorus of angels appearing amidst a deep blue sky, conveying the divine message to the shepherds below. These angels are adorned with golden halos and positioned around a scroll, indicative of the heavenly proclamation. The shepherds, arrayed in rustic attire, display a range of reactions from amazement to reverence as they gaze up towards the celestial visitors. The pastoral landscape, punctuated by grazing sheep and rolling hills, situates the event within a serene and harmonious natural setting, indicative of the International Gothic style. The intricate illustrations and gilded elements exemplify the Limbourg brothers’ masterful craftsmanship and attention to detail.
