The Annunciation to the Shepherds

Bastien-Lepage might have fallen under the influence of the Impressionists and felt that the quality of light at twilight was more aesthetically pleasing than the limited amount of light available to him in a night scene. Though he did not win the grand prize, Annunciation to the Shepherds revealed his technical virtuosity for all to see.

The jury for the Prix de Rome award  objected to this entry by Bastien-Lepage's  because he chose to render the Annunciation at twilight when, according to historical accuracy, the Annunciation was a night scene. 

This painting is oil on canvas and is in the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne