Lasset die Kindlein zu mir kommen

Sellaer combines the precise detailing characteristic of Northern Renaissance painting with compositional dynamism inspired by Italian models. The figures are rendered with careful modeling and rich coloration, while the architectural setting displays a balanced perspective. This synthesis creates a monumental yet intimate portrayal, reflecting the artist’s hybrid stylistic approach.

Created in the mid‑sixteenth century, the painting entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek, where it remains on display. Its attribution to Sellaer aligns with documented works from his active period in Flanders, confirming its place within his oeuvre of religious subjects.

During the 1530s, Flemish artists increasingly engaged with Italian artistic currents, a trend evident in Sellaer’s work. The painting’s subject matter resonated with Counter‑Reformation emphasis on the accessibility of Christ to all believers, especially children, and reflects contemporary devotional practices.