Adoration of the Baby, Gerrit van Honthorst (1590-1656)
Many artists have explored scenes from Christ’s life against the dramatic backdrop of night. This Flemish artist’s depiction of the scene of the Adoration of the Baby invites us too to draw near to the tiny child, who lies vulnerable before us. We too join the intimate circle of adorers - Mary, Joseph and the two angels – who kneel before the Child’s make-shift cradle. Honthorst was renowned for his night scenes. His explorations of the way light could be manipulated both to highlight and to conceal action and emotions seem to culminate in the mood of reverence that he evokes in this painting. Both for Honthorst’s original viewers and for us, the radiant light of Christ bathes the entire space and illuminates with joy the faces of the beholders. The darkness in the background emphasizes the glory of the light. Just as light triumphs over darkness in this painting, so God’s gift of Jesus urges us to nurture this fragile yet brilliant light, the source of our love and life. We all pray that the Christmas Season will spread God’s light throughout the world in just the way that the light of the infant Jesus illuminates this painting. The Christmas promise shines out from this image.
Art Guide Resource
The 2013 Art Guide has been compiled by Claire Renkin, well-known Art Historian and Lecturer at Yarra Theological Union and narrated by Margaret Coffey. Margaret has a background in historical research, journalism, education and broadcasting including at the ABC. Artworks featured © Bridgeman Images.
Related Links
- VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Download the 2013 Art Guide (PDF) Resource
- Watch/Listen to the complete 2013 Art Guide
