Fotoreproductie van De aanbidding van de herders door Gerard David before 1883

This is Alexandre’s photographic reproduction of Gerard David’s painting, 'The Adoration of the Shepherds,' made sometime between 1855 and 1925. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, photographic reproductions democratized access to art, allowing broader audiences to engage with masterpieces previously confined to elite collections. Alexandre's photograph captures a moment of profound religious and social significance, the humble shepherds' visit to the newborn Christ. Reflecting on this image, I consider how the act of adoration transcends social hierarchies. The shepherds, figures of marginal social standing, are central to the Nativity story. Their inclusion challenges conventional representations of power and holiness. The shepherds' adoration highlights the radical inclusivity at the heart of the Christian narrative.