Adoration of the Child 1510 - 1563

Andrea Schiavone created this etching, "Adoration of the Child", sometime in the 16th century. Schiavone, working in Venice, was influenced by Parmigianino, and you can see it in the elongated bodies and dramatic lighting. But what does it mean to adore? Who is doing the adoring, and what does that say about power? In this image, everyone, regardless of gender or status, is in awe of this child. Usually, the people we see kneeling are of lower social standing, but here, everyone is humbled. And think about Mary, the mother. In Renaissance art, she's often portrayed as a serene figure, but here, she looks like a young, possibly overwhelmed, woman. Schiavone captures an emotional truth, complicating the traditional religious narrative. He reminds us of the humanity in the divine, and perhaps, the divine in humanity.