Adoration of the Shepherds (1665)

Jan de Bray’s Adoration of the Shepherds (1665) hangs at the Hague’s Mauritshuis Gallery. As well as depicting Mary, Joseph and the shepherds in rather charming contemporary clothing rather than anything worn in first-century Judea, the Christ Child is the source of the painting’s light. Those parts of the scene furthest from Him are shaded, while those closest are brightest. He illuminates the faces of those who gaze upon Him.

De Bray understood that Jesus Christ, even in its infant body, was the Light of the World. Those who approach Him enjoy His radiance; those who withdraw from Him wander into ever deepening degrees of darkness.

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. Psalm 13:3

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