Porcelain collector plate titled 'Shepherd Boy' by M.J. Hummel for Goebel

This is the 1988 Annual Collector Plate produced by Goebel featuring the popular M.J. Hummel artwork of a young shepherd boy with his goat. It was manufactured in West Germany before German reunification, making it a piece from a specific historical period. The plate features a bas-relief design with the characteristic Hummel style depicting children in idyllic rural settings. Hummel collectibles became extremely popular in the mid-20th century, particularly among American collectors who were charmed by their sentimental portrayal of childhood innocence. These annual plates are particularly sought after by Hummel enthusiasts and collectors of limited edition commemorative plates who appreciate both their artistic merit and their representation of German folk art traditions.