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Saftleven, Cornelis
The Annunciation to the Shepherds
Around 1670

At ?rst 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
The Annunciation to the Shepherds
Around 1670
Oil on panel
31.6 x 40.6 cm
Gift of Alfred and Isabel Bader, 1988
31-002

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