Aanbidding door de herders 1630s

Marinus Robyn van der Goes created this print called 'Adoration of the Shepherds', sometime before his death in 1639. In this dark interior, light emanates from the newborn Christ, illuminating the faces of those gathered in humble devotion. Van der Goes was working in a Netherlands still deeply entrenched in religious and political conflict. While the Protestant Reformation had taken hold, many, like van der Goes, remained Catholic. The choice to depict this biblical scene then is not just a rote repetition of religious doctrine. Rather, it emphasizes the quiet intimacy of faith. Look at Mary, she is young and maternal, holding her child close. The shepherds who surround her represent the common folk, the marginalized members of society. Van der Goes elevates these figures, reminding us of the radical message of Christianity—a faith rooted in humility, love, and the embrace of the downtrodden. It’s a potent visual statement of faith during a time of upheaval.