Reliëf in ivoor, afgebeeld de Aanbidding der Herders before 1860

This ivory relief depicting the Adoration of the Shepherds was crafted by Charles D'Hoy in the 19th century. Carved during a period of significant religious revival in Europe, this small-scale work reflects the intimate and personal piety of the time. During the 1800’s, artists across Europe were grappling with questions of faith and modernity, often turning to traditional religious subjects for inspiration. D’Hoy’s choice of ivory, a precious material, speaks to the value placed on religious devotion within domestic spaces. The relief invites viewers into a scene of humble reverence, echoing the era's emphasis on the emotional connection to religious narratives. Consider how the carving is structured. Are these traditional representations, or are we seeing the development of an alternative narrative? This small artwork is a window into the intersection of faith, family, and artistic expression in 19th-century Europe.