Adoration of the Infant Christ 1530 - 1565

Jean Pénicaud II painted this enamel plaque, *Adoration of the Infant Christ*, sometime in the mid-16th century, amid the religious and social upheavals of the Reformation. Enamels like this one were luxury objects. The exquisite detail and vibrant colors speak to the wealth of Pénicaud’s patrons, while the subject matter reflects the period’s deep religious sentiment. Yet, beyond its devotional purpose, we might consider how it subtly reinforces a social order. Notice the idealized depiction of Mary and the Christ Child, contrasted with the presence of farm animals, who have always been symbolic of the laboring class. Consider, too, the role of the artist himself, a craftsman whose skill elevates him, yet whose social standing remains tied to his labor. Pénicaud’s choice to depict this scene, laden with themes of humility and reverence, invites us to reflect on the complex interplay of faith, class, and artistic expression in a rapidly changing world. The work encourages us to consider the intertwined nature of these themes in our own lives.