Karel van Mander, Vinckboons’ first biographer, praised the artist’s great versatility as early as 1604. He also commended his skill in wielding the burin and etching needle. Vinckboons, however, was not actually trained as an engraver and probably made prints just for his own pleasure. Impressions of them are rare: only two examples of the Annunciation to the Shepherds are known.