Aanbidding door de herders 1560 - 1580

Luca Bertelli’s engraving, “Adoration of the Shepherds,” presents a scene rich with traditional Christian symbolism. The kneeling posture of the shepherds before the Christ child is the most prominent visual element, signifying reverence and humility. The gesture can be traced back to ancient Near Eastern traditions of supplication before deities or royalty. The image is replete with classical architecture in the background, connecting the birth of Christ with the transition of one era to another. This posture reappears throughout art history, often denoting submission or devotion. Consider the figures kneeling before kings in medieval tapestries or saints before the Virgin Mary in Renaissance paintings. Each instance carries a unique cultural charge, yet the core message remains unchanged. The psychological weight of this image lies in its ability to evoke a sense of collective memory, a shared understanding of humility and reverence that transcends time and culture. The symbol's cyclical journey is a testament to the enduring power of images to carry meaning across generations.