Zittend Christuskind met lam 1605 - 1607

Jacob Matham created this print, "Zittend Christuskind met lam," sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The work presents us with a composition dominated by the rounded forms of the Christ Child and the lamb, set against a backdrop teeming with cherubic figures. The contrast between the smooth, luminous skin of the child and the textured wool of the lamb highlights Matham's technical skill and eye for materiality. This print is more than a religious scene; it is a study in contrasts. The soft, innocent features of the Christ Child are juxtaposed with the weighty symbolism of the lamb, prefiguring themes of sacrifice and redemption. The surrounding cherubs, rendered with delicate detail, frame the central figures, drawing our eye to the interplay of innocence and premonition. Consider how Matham uses line and form to create a visual theology, inviting us to contemplate the dual nature of Christ. The work invites ongoing interpretation, ensuring its relevance across centuries.