Christus als de Goede Herder 1473 - 1477

This is an engraving of "Christ as the Good Shepherd" by the Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet. While undated, this piece reflects the period's religious devotion and its intersection with social expectations and gender roles. The image of Christ carrying a lamb speaks to sacrifice, caring, and redemption, ideas central to Christian teachings, and a key theme in representations of religious figures. Yet, the depiction of Christ as gentle and nurturing also intersects with societal expectations of masculinity and power. The tender portrayal of Christ challenges conventional notions of authority, as the Son of God is represented here as a man of compassion. The gendering of these attributes is an interesting mirror to the values of the time, both the spiritual ones and the societal expectations around gender. This image invites us to reflect on the historical and cultural values embedded within religious iconography. It encourages us to consider how we can re-evaluate the intersections of gender, power, and spirituality.