Aanbidding door de herders c. 1753 - 1771

Laurent Cars created this engraving, "Adoration by the Shepherds," in the 18th century. At its heart, we see the infant Jesus, surrounded by Mary and adoring shepherds. The ox and the ass, traditional symbols of Christ's Nativity, ground the scene, harking back to ancient Judaic prophecies. This pairing appears in other artworks in different times and places; we have seen this pairing also in medieval illuminated manuscripts. Yet here, the humble shepherds, representing humanity, offer their reverence. This gesture of reverence echoes across cultures and centuries. Think of similar poses in ancient Egyptian art or classical Roman depictions of subjugation. The motif of adoration, deeply embedded in our collective memory, engages us on a subconscious level. The emotion of awe is a powerful force, a recognition of something greater than ourselves. It's a symbol that has taken on new meanings in different historical contexts, yet its core essence—respect and submission—endures.