Virtual Nativity - Annunciation to the Shepherds

The Gospel of Matthew makes no mention of shepherds, but Luke’s description of their role in the Nativity runs to thirteen verses, eight of these are below:

“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’”
Luke 2.8-15

The annunciation to the shepherds was depicted initially only as part of a broader Nativity scene. However, it became an independent subject for art in the 9th century.

A panel carved in high relief from walrus ivory in about 1150 to 1160 AD shows the Annunciation scene. It originated in Cologne, Germany and is now held in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Taddeo Gaddi’s depiction of the scene shows a spiritual light surrounding the angel which is cast on the rocky surface and on the shepherds. The shepherds slowly arouse themselves from their deep sleep, their cattle are still asleep and one of their dogs is already awake, looking distrustfully at the source of the light.