The Birth of Christ, who is held by the Virgin against a penumbra of light, adoring angels, and Joseph leading a donkey at left 1570 - 1615

This is Cherubino Alberti’s engraving, "The Birth of Christ," made sometime between 1570 and 1615. Alberti was working in Rome during a period defined by the Counter-Reformation, and his work often reflects the Catholic Church's renewed emphasis on religious imagery. Here, the scene of Christ’s birth is enlivened by a celestial penumbra, adoring angels, and the humble presence of Joseph leading a donkey. It is a vision steeped in theological symbolism. Yet, despite this being a moment of divine arrival, the image resonates with the earthly concerns of the time. The figures of Mary and Joseph can be seen as emblematic of devotion, sacrifice, and family—values championed by the Church. As we consider this image, we might ask ourselves: how do such depictions shape our understanding of faith, gender roles, and social expectations? How does Alberti's representation of this scene reflect, or perhaps subtly challenge, the societal norms of his time? These are some of the questions that come to mind as I contemplate the work.