Kindertijd van Christus 1581 - 1633

Theodoor Galle created this tiny engraving, “Childhood of Christ,” in Antwerp at the turn of the 17th century, amidst the religious and political upheavals of the Dutch Revolt. Here we see a tender domestic scene; Joseph lovingly holds the young Christ, while Mary sits nearby with the infant John the Baptist. The haloed figures, however, are not rendered in opulent robes or set against a gold background. Instead, Galle depicts the Holy Family as ordinary people, in a humble home. Joseph’s carpentry tools are scattered on the ground, and the scene suggests a quiet moment of familial affection. Galle was part of a humanist circle that emphasized the importance of personal piety and everyday acts of devotion. This humanization of religious figures invited a more intimate and relatable form of worship. Galle’s engraving spoke to the longings for peace and stability during a period marked by conflict and uncertainty. It’s a reminder that even in times of great upheaval, the small, everyday moments of love and connection can offer solace.