The Adoration of the Shepherds, Surrounded by Moses and Five Prophets 1588

Jacob Matham created this engraving, "The Adoration of the Shepherds, Surrounded by Moses and Five Prophets," in the late 16th or early 17th century. Matham, who was Dutch, situates the birth of Christ amidst figures from the Old Testament, reflecting the era's deep engagement with religious themes. In a society where religious identity was paramount, Matham's choice to include Moses and other prophets alongside the Nativity story emphasizes the Christian narrative as a fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. This visual representation acted as a powerful affirmation of Christian doctrine. The very act of adoration depicted in the engraving—the shepherds, figures of humble status, paying homage to the newborn Christ—speaks to the emotional core of the Christian faith: that salvation is offered to all, regardless of social standing. Matham uses a traditional scene to invite viewers to meditate on the intersection of divine promise, human experience, and faith.