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Saftleven, Cornelis
The Annunciation to the Shepherds L'annonce aux bergers
1660 v. 1670

At first glance, this could be a rustic genre scene, but the parting clouds reveal an angel who announces the birth of Christ. The animals seem more alert to this momentous message than do the busy shepherd and his wife, who dozes in a hut made of straw. Cornelis Safleven lived in Rotterdam and may have known Rembrandt’s work through the master’s followers in nearby Dordrecht. Shared interests include expressive brushwork, muted colour and dramatic effects of light.

Saftleven, Cornelis
Gorinchem, Netherlands 1607-Rotterdam, Netherlands 1681 Gorinchem, Netherlands 1607-Rotterdam, Netherlands 1681
The Annunciation to the Shepherds L'annonce aux bergers
1660 v. 1670
Oil on panel Huile sur panneau
height / width: 30.60 x 40.00 cm; 12.05 x 15.75 in.
Gift of Alfred and Isabel Bader, 1988 Don d'Alfred et Isabel Bader, 1988
31-002

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