Aanbidding door de herders 1629

This is a woodcut of the Adoration of the Shepherds made by Christoffel van Sichem II, likely made in the Netherlands in the early 17th century. The print illustrates a key moment in the Christian narrative: the visit of humble shepherds to the newborn Jesus. The image creates meaning through the use of visual codes and cultural references that would have been very familiar to its contemporary audience. The sharp contrast between light and shadow heightens the drama, and the humble setting underscores the radical notion of God incarnate born into poverty. We see the Virgin Mary and Joseph, presented as ordinary people, surrounded by farm animals. What’s more, the shepherds are also rendered as everyday folk, in contrast to the later adoration by the Magi, who were typically depicted as kings. Prints like this served a vital public role during a period of religious and social upheaval. They offered accessible and portable means of disseminating religious ideas and reaffirming shared values. Art historians can deepen our understanding of works like this through careful study of period theology, social history, and the history of printmaking. By understanding this artwork through the lens of its social and institutional context, we can better appreciate its power as a cultural artifact.