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This panel was the first in a series sat above the main tier of images showing the heavenly coronation of the Virgin. These panels show scenes from Christ's life, including the Resurrection and his ascension to heaven.
The scene shows the Christ Child in a manger, borrowed from the ox and donkey who sit nearby. The Virgin Mary sits on the ground worshipping the Child. Two shepherds, tucked around the corner of a craggy rock, look on and pray. In the hillside above, we see the moment when they were told about Christ's birth: an angel has appeared to them, lighting up the night sky with a golden glow that colours the nearby trees. This is one of the earliest night scenes in a panel painting.
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