Aanbidding door de herders 1629 - 1740

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut titled "Adoration of the Shepherds." In this image, the shepherds are depicted finding Jesus in the manger. This scene has potent social meaning, particularly when we consider the context of its creation. Made in the Netherlands, this work reflects the religious and social upheavals of the time. Woodcuts like these were part of a broader visual culture, offering a way to disseminate religious narratives and moral messages to a wide audience. The choice of the Adoration scene speaks to the era’s concerns with piety and social hierarchy. The humble shepherds, the first to witness the divine, symbolize the importance of faith and humility over worldly status. To understand this piece better, we might turn to period religious texts and social histories. These would reveal the cultural values and religious debates that shaped its creation and reception. The meaning of art always depends on its moment.