Paxtafel met de geboorte van Christus c. 1480 - 1500

This is a small, anonymous ivory relief depicting the Nativity. These objects were made in Europe, particularly during the mediaeval period, for devotional purposes. The scene presented here speaks to the social and cultural values of its time, particularly the central role of the Church. We see Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Jesus in a humble setting, watched over by angels. These images would reinforce religious teachings. Ivory, the material, hints at global trade networks already in place. The carving would have been commissioned by a wealthy individual or institution. These reliefs often circulated within elite social circles, underscoring the relationship between religious faith, artistic patronage, and social status. As historians, we can use such objects to explore social history, examining trade records, religious texts, and donor inventories to understand the complex meanings of the artworks. We can gain insight into the intersection of faith, art, and society during this period.