Geboorte van Christus 1713

Jean Charles Allet created this print of the birth of Christ sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. During this period, the Catholic Church was a dominant force in European society and the arts, often commissioning works that reinforced religious doctrine and social hierarchies. Here, the traditional Nativity scene is infused with a Baroque sensibility, evident in the dramatic lighting and the dynamic poses of the figures. Yet, consider the gaze of Mary, her downcast eyes portray not just humility but a quiet strength. While the angels rejoice above, the earthly figures are grounded in a more subdued emotional landscape. Allet's print invites us to contemplate the intersections of divinity and humanity, power and vulnerability. The piece reflects the religious fervor of the era, while hinting at the complex personal experiences that underpin such moments of revelation.