The annunciation of Christ's birth to the shepherds

Simon Bening was a Flemish miniaturist who lived during the Renaissance. He was born in Ghent, Belgium around 1483 and died in Bruges, Belgium in 1561. Bening was the son of Alexander Bening, also a miniaturist, and learned the art of illumination from his father. Bening is known for his exquisite illuminated manuscripts, which were highly sought after by the rich and powerful of his time. He worked for several royal and noble families, including the Habsburgs, the Tudors and the Medici. Bening's style was characterised by his attention to detail and his use of vibrant colours. He often incorporated gold leaf into his works, giving them a luxurious and ornate appearance. His illustrations were inspired by classical mythology, biblical stories and contemporary events. One of Bening's most famous works is the "Book of Hours" for Cardinal Albrecht of Brandenburg, now in the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The book contains over 200 pages of intricate illustrations and text and is considered one of the finest examples of Flemish manuscript illumination. Bening's legacy continues to inspire artists today, and his works can be found in museums and private collections around the world.