Adoration of the Shepherds c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Adoration of the Shepherds", an etching. It's quite small, just a few centimeters! I'm struck by how much detail he packed into such a tiny scene. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: Callot, working in the early 17th century, was a master of printmaking. Consider the role of prints in disseminating religious imagery. How did this image function in society? Who was its audience, and what messages might it convey about piety and social order? Editor: So, it’s about more than just illustrating a Bible story. It was about reinforcing social values, too. Thank you for that insight! Curator: Precisely. Art rarely exists in a vacuum. Looking at how an image circulates and the power it holds within its specific social and political landscape is vital.