Geboorte van Christus 1530 - 1582

This anonymous engraving, “Geboorte van Christus,” now at the Rijksmuseum, presents a tableau rich with enduring symbols. Above the humble scene of Christ's birth, a burst of celestial light emanates from a radiant star, echoing the divine intervention that illuminates this pivotal moment. Surrounding it, angels form a celestial chorus, linking heaven and earth. We see in the angels a vestige of winged victories, figures of triumph from antiquity, now repurposed as messengers of divine grace. Consider, too, the simple manger – a cradle of straw that mirrors images of royal litters. It is a poignant contrast of humility and divinity. This juxtaposition engages our collective memory, tapping into archetypes of power and vulnerability. The scene evokes powerful emotions: the tenderness of maternal love, the hope for redemption, and the sublime mystery of divine incarnation. It reveals how cultural memory shapes our understanding of the past and our place within its narrative.