Aanbidding door de herders 1632 - 1693

Curator: So, here we have "Adoration of the Shepherds", an engraving dating roughly from 1632 to 1693, attributed to François de Poilly. It resides here in the Rijksmuseum. What are your immediate thoughts? Editor: I'm struck by the intense theatricality of it all. Look at that spotlight of light emanating from the baby! The whole scene feels staged, yet there's also an intimacy in the shepherds’ gaze. Curator: Indeed, it encapsulates the Baroque style quite well, doesn't it? This artistic movement sought to evoke strong emotional responses. Note the cherubs swirling overhead, carrying a scroll proclaiming glory. Editor: It's almost overwhelming! And the sheep at the bottom – one’s sprawled out as if it's had a bit too much celebratory hay. Adds a touch of charming, domestic normalcy amid the divine. Curator: Precisely. Even seemingly minor details have weight. The sheep, of course, symbolizes innocence, the flock, and even Christ himself as the Lamb of God. Baroque artists were masters of weaving symbolic language into every corner of their compositions. Editor: What interests me is how it reframes the Nativity. Less humble manger scene, more divine spectacle. Poilly captured that shift, I guess. I can't help but consider it a little staged, though. What were people hoping to communicate at the time through images like this? Curator: A renewed sense of religious wonder, undoubtedly. During that era, faith was intertwined with everyday existence, and visuals like this served to amplify core beliefs, using emotional power to drive the message. I'm reminded that even engravings were forms of mass communication. Editor: Like retweets for the 17th century, only with a lot more cherubs and significantly less text. And what would these people make of our world, with its cat photos and instant global pronouncements? Would these Baroque sensibilities translate at all? Curator: A thought-provoking question. While media changes, I suspect the desire for imagery that stirs emotion and speaks to something larger than ourselves would still resonate deeply. Editor: Yes, you’re right, probably so. Looking again, it’s funny how fashion changes so quickly; cultural needs evolve. But this engraving does continue to be very relevant and offers valuable insights into the culture from which it emerged. Thanks for taking the time to speak with me about this artwork. Curator: The pleasure was all mine! Until next time.