Christ Blessing the Children c. 1690 - 1710

Johannes Voorhout created "Christ Blessing the Children" as an oil on panel, a common technique during the Dutch Golden Age. This was a period defined by its religious art, amidst a backdrop of social change and colonial expansion. Voorhout, deeply embedded in this cultural milieu, illustrates a biblical scene advocating for the innocence and sanctity of children. The image features a light-skinned Christ surrounded by a diverse group of women and children who seek his blessing. Consider the politics inherent in these depictions. Who is included, and who is left out? How do the dynamics of gender and status play out? While such religious imagery was meant to impart moral lessons, it also tells us about the power structures of the time. This artwork is not only an artifact of faith, but also a mirror reflecting the social values of 17th-century Netherlands.