Aanbidding door de herders 1661 - 1684

Gaspar Huybrechts created this engraving, titled "Adoration by the Shepherds," sometime in the 17th century. The piece depicts a biblical scene central to Christian faith, yet it also subtly reflects the societal norms of Huybrechts' time. Consider how Mary is portrayed. She's a picture of serene motherhood, her posture and expression embodying idealized femininity. Meanwhile, the shepherds, presumably of lower social standing, approach with a mix of awe and humility. These representations weren't just artistic choices; they were enmeshed with contemporary societal expectations around gender and class. The cherubic angels floating above, bearing a banner proclaiming "Glory to God," add another layer, reinforcing the divine sanction of this social order. The emotional depth in the faces of the shepherds suggests a genuine, personal connection to the sacred event. Huybrechts invites us to reflect on the emotional and social dimensions of faith, reminding us that art is never created in a vacuum.