Winterlandschap met geboorte van Christus 1673 - 1695

Nicolas Perelle created this print of a winter landscape with the birth of Christ, sometime in the 17th century in France. This image presents us with an interesting combination. We see a biblical scene placed in a very secular, European setting. The Holy Family huddles outside a grand, classical building, in a way that democratizes the religious story, bringing it to a contemporary audience. The artist lived during the reign of Louis XIV, a period marked by the consolidation of royal power, religious conflict, and the flourishing of the arts. Prints like this one played a crucial role in disseminating artistic ideas. They circulated widely and shaped artistic taste across Europe. By studying prints, as well as other visual and textual sources, we can better understand the cultural values and social dynamics of 17th-century France.