An angel emerges in a splendor of lights among the clouds of the night sky to give the shepherds the announcement of the birth of Jesus the Savior. Only one of them immediately gives him trembling attention; the others still sleep or are intent on caring for the animals.

This humble pastoral world - which Jacopo Bassano and his workshop know well and bring to the fore of great art - is the first recipient of the most amazing news: God became man. In the darkness of the night, a symbol of evil and sin, a simple shepherd lets himself be attracted by the new light, followed behind him by a sheep that raises its head: it is the first of that numerous flock of faithful that the Son of God has come. to gather.