Aanbidding door de koningen 1615

Orazio Borgianni created this print, "Adoration of the Kings", sometime around the turn of the 17th century. This black-and-white print depicts a well-known biblical scene. The Adoration was especially important in Italy at this time. The Catholic Church had a renewed focus on spectacle to inspire piety. The gathering crowd of figures, with their varied expressions of devotion, would have resonated with viewers. Borgianni’s print also reflects the growing interest in naturalism. He captures realistic human forms and emotions, making the scene relatable to everyday life. To truly understand Borgianni's work, we can look at the social and religious context of the period, researching the Counter-Reformation, and the patronage networks that supported artists. Art history is about piecing together these stories and appreciating how art both reflects and shapes the world around us.