Aanbidding der herders 1598 - 1601

Jacob Matham created this engraving titled ‘Adoration of the Shepherds’ during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by immense economic prosperity and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands. Matham’s interpretation presents a scene dominated by idealized Northern European figures; their expressions are awestruck as they gather around the infant Christ. The presence of both humble shepherds and ethereal angels serves as a reminder of the social hierarchy of the time, whilst also underscoring the belief that Jesus came for all people, regardless of their status. The virgin mother, Mary, is depicted as the epitome of maternal purity, reinforcing the period’s expectations of women. The meticulous detail of the engraving allows for the emotional depth of the adoration scene to be conveyed, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex relationships between the divine and mortal realms. 'Adoration of the Shepherds' is more than a religious depiction; it’s a cultural artifact reflecting the intersection of faith, societal values, and artistic expression in the 17th-century Netherlands.