Besnijdenis van Christus 1581

Johann Sadeler I created this engraving called ‘The Circumcision of Christ’ at the end of the 16th century. It depicts the biblical scene where Jesus is circumcised, a Jewish tradition, in what appears to be a wealthy domestic interior. Sadeler was a Flemish artist who lived in the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. His engravings were widely circulated throughout Europe, playing an important role in disseminating artistic ideas. The composition of this engraving, with its careful arrangement of figures and elaborate architectural setting, reflects the influence of Italian Renaissance art. The inclusion of Latin text further suggests that the engraving was intended for a learned audience. What is striking is the domestic setting. Sadeler shows this holy event as if it was a social event in a contemporary upper-class household, rather than taking place in the temple. This reminds us of the importance of considering such an artwork in relation to its social and institutional context. Resources in archives and libraries can shed light on the cultural meanings that viewers at the time may have associated with it.