Aanbidding door de herders 1628 - 1670

Editor: This print, "Adoration of the Shepherds," by Pieter de Jode II, made between 1628 and 1670, shows the Nativity scene in amazing detail, despite being a monochrome engraving. The dark and light contrasts create a somber but celebratory atmosphere. What kind of conversations do you think this work ignites about power, identity, and historical context? Curator: It's compelling how this Baroque print, created through the relatively accessible medium of engraving, distributes religious narrative. Who gets to tell the story of the Nativity? In this version, we see the artist’s interpretation, influenced by the socio-political climate of the Dutch Golden Age. Consider the placement of the shepherds, representing the working class, at the very heart of this sacred event. What does it tell us about the shifting societal values and the potential for upward mobility in that period? Editor: It makes you think about representation and who is deemed worthy of being portrayed. The inclusion of common folk in such a holy event almost democratizes the narrative. Curator: Exactly. And look at the idealized figures, particularly the Virgin Mary. How does her representation uphold or subvert the dominant patriarchal structures of the time? Is she presented as a divine figure, or does the artist attempt to humanize her, making her more relatable to the common woman? What about the male gaze here? Editor: I see her softness. But how much agency does she truly have in this portrayal? Is the gaze empowering, or is it merely objectifying? Curator: Precisely! By questioning these visual cues, we unravel the complex power dynamics at play during the creation of this work, while also prompting reflection on our own contemporary biases. It makes one think about art's ability to affect consciousness about historical norms and injustices. Editor: This lens makes the work resonate far beyond a simple religious depiction. Thank you for that! Curator: My pleasure. Art should serve as a powerful conversation starter.