Aanbidding door de herders after 1568

This is an engraving called ‘Adoration of the Shepherds’ of unknown origin. The piece depicts the arrival of the shepherds at the birth of Jesus. Common in Christian art, this scene usually presents a moment of humble recognition, as shepherds, among the lowliest in society, are the first to acknowledge Jesus's divinity. What is striking here is how this narrative is told through the composition of the image. We have the infant Christ lying on a bed of straw, adored by kneeling figures, but notice the strong figures at the left supporting the architecture. Are they the supports of faith, or perhaps enslaved people propping up the church? This contrast asks us to reflect on the intersections of spirituality, power, and social structure. It invites us to consider whose stories are privileged, and whose bodies bear the weight of tradition. The emotional intensity of this piece is palpable, and the piece reminds us that even within the most sacred narratives, there's room to question, to challenge, and to seek deeper understanding.