Aanbidding door de koningen 1600 - 1652

François Stuerhelt created this print called “Adoration of the Kings”, sometime before his death in 1652. This work is filled with the visual language typical of religious art of the period, which often served to reinforce the power of the church and its patrons. But look closer: what do you see? I wonder how this scene, with the three kings adoring a child from afar, might be seen from Mary's perspective, a young woman suddenly burdened with immense significance? The image also presents an interesting mix of figures that, while rooted in a biblical narrative, likely reflect the social and cultural diversity of Stuerhelt’s time. The presence of armed soldiers adds an element of tension, hinting at the political dimensions of religious authority. Ultimately, this print is a testament to the enduring power of the Nativity story, inviting viewers to consider how faith, power, and identity intersect.