Aanbidding door de herders 1667

This engraving, "Adoration of the Shepherds," was made by Giacomo Barri in Italy, around 1670-1680. It depicts the newborn Christ child adored by the shepherds, watched over by Mary and Joseph, with angels above heralding "Gloria in Excelsis Deo." Barri's print demonstrates the way that religious art could also reflect contemporary social realities. The shepherds, in their rough garments, represent the rural poor, while the setting is a humble stable, rather than a grand palace. This image resonates with the growing emphasis on humility and charity within the Catholic Church at the time. It offered a powerful message of hope and salvation for people from all social classes. To understand this print more fully, we might consult religious texts, historical accounts of Venetian society, and records of artistic patronage. By examining these resources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social and cultural forces that shaped Barri's artistic vision.