The Adoration of the Shepherds 1518 - 1564

Aertgen Claesz. van Leyden made this pen and black ink drawing, titled 'The Adoration of the Shepherds', in the first half of the 16th century. The image presents the biblical scene of the birth of Jesus, visited by humble shepherds. Van Leyden was from Leiden, a city that had become a center of artistic innovation in the Netherlands. During this time, religious art served a crucial public role, reinforcing faith and moral values. This drawing, with its intimate and accessible style, reflects the changing social dynamics of the time. The focus on the shepherds, figures from the margins of society, is consistent with the period's increased interest in everyday life and a move towards a more personal, less formal religious expression. To understand this work better, we can look at the historical context, the religious practices of the time, and the role of art within the community. By looking at the socio-political and cultural context, the artwork reveals itself as a mirror reflecting the values and beliefs of its time.