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The Adoration of the Magi, c.1480-c.1485. Creator: Geertgen tot Sint Jans
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The Adoration of the Magi, c.1480-c.1485. Creator: Geertgen tot Sint Jans
The Adoration of the Magi, c.1480-c.1485. Other Title(s): The Adoration of the Magi.
The three kings presenting their gifts occupy the foreground of the Amsterdam Adoration. The Christ Child, seated on the Virgin's lap, is extending his arm towards the kneeling, oldest king, Caspar, who is offering him a goblet filled with gold coins. The two other kings stand behind Caspar in the Amsterdam panel. Melchior, with long dark hair and a beard, is holding a gold chalice in his right hand, while the black King Balthazar has a crystal goblet. Starting in the late middle ages, the three kings were associated with the continents known at the time, with Melchior representing Asia, Balthazar Africa and Caspar Europe.
The belief that the kings came from different parts of the world is underscored in the background by the three directions from which they are arriving with their retinues. Matching the kings positions in the foreground, there is Africa on the left, Asia in the middle and Europe on the right. Oddly, though, Caspar is riding a dromedary, which is usually associated with Africa
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Media ID 36335069
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Adoration Of The Kings Adoration Of The Magi Allegorical Balthasar Balthazar Biblical Character Biblical Scene Camel Camels Caspar Chalice Christ Antiphonetes Christ Jesus Coin Coinage Currency Devotion Devotional Divine Infant Drinking Vessel Dromedary Goblet Gold Coin In Prayer Infant Jesus Joseph St Life Of Christ Madonna And Child Magi Mary Virgin Melchior Notre Dame Du Folgoet Our Lady Of Folgoet Our Lady Of Mariazell Our Lady Of Refuge Prayer Praying Saint Joseph Saint Mary Sitting On Knee Sitting On Lap St Joseph St Mary Stella Maris The Virgin Mary Three Kings Three Wise Men Virgin And Child Virgin Mother Allegorical Figure Geertgen Tot Sint Jans Gold Coins Infancy Infant Mother Of God Posture
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning 15th-century painting, titled "The Adoration of the Magi," is a masterpiece by the Dutch artist Geertgen tot Sint Jans, created around 1480-1485. The scene depicts the reverent homage paid by the three wise men, or Magi, to the newborn Christ Child and his mother, the Virgin Mary. In the foreground, the three kings are prominently displayed, each presenting their valuable gifts. Caspar, the oldest king, kneels before the Christ Child, offering him a goblet filled with gold coins. Melchior, with his long dark hair and beard, stands behind Caspar, holding a gold chalice in his right hand. The third king, Balthazar, is depicted with dark skin and a crystal gobble in hand. The association of the three kings with the continents known during the late Middle Ages is emphasized in the painting's background. Melchior, representing Asia, is arriving from the middle, while Balthazar, symbolizing Africa, is depicted on the left, and Caspar, representing Europe, is shown on the right. Interestingly, Caspar is depicted riding a dromedary, which is typically associated with Africa. This intriguing composition underscores the belief that the Magi came from different parts of the world, adding a layer of rich symbolism to this exquisite work of art.
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