The Nativity (detail)
by DAVID, Gerard, Panel, 76,5 x 56 cm (full painting)
Peasants and shepherds were represented first in Netherlandish painting by the Master of Fl�malle and Jan van Eyck. Their influence, as well as that of Hugo van der Goes can be observed on this painting of the young Gerard David. It is assumed that the young shepherd in the foreground represents a self-portrait of the artist.