Aanbidding door de herders 1738 - 1815

"Aanbidding door de herders" (Adoration of the Shepherds) is a sepia print by Francesco Bartolozzi, made in the late 18th century. Bartolozzi was an Italian printmaker who spent much of his career in London. Consider the traditional gender roles depicted here, a divine mother presenting her newborn child, observed by a patriarchal figure. The shepherds, likely representing the lower classes, offer their humble gifts. Above them, angels burst forth, their presence heralding a moment of immense, world-altering importance. Yet, I wonder, how might this scene feel different if told from the perspective of Mary, a young woman bearing the weight of immense expectation? How does the intersection of class, gender, and religious belief shape our understanding of this scene? Bartolozzi’s print invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in religious narratives and the ways in which these stories are constructed and disseminated. What alternative narratives might emerge if we centered the experiences of those on the margins?