Adoration of the Magi
unknown
Basic information
- ID
- Ж-2487
- Author
- unknown
- Name
- Adoration of the Magi
- Date of creation
- 2d half of the 16th c.
- Technique
- oil painting
- Material
- copper oil
- Dimensions
- 22.6 x 17.2 cm (height x width)
Additionally
- Type
- painting
- Genre
- religious
- Plot
- Adoration of the Magi
- Provenance
- Collection of Lviv City Gallery
- Exposition
- Potocki Palace
Information about author
Object description
The painting by an unknown artist from the second half of the 16th century depicts one of the most celebrated themes in Christian iconography – the Adoration of the Magi.
According to the Gospel of Matthew (Matt 2:11–12): "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh".
The Holy Family is positioned on the left side of the composition. The Virgin Mary, attired in a pink dress and a blue-green maphorion, holds the infant Jesus, who reaches out with both hands to touch the forehead of one of the Magi. Beside them sits Saint Joseph in a green tunic and an ochre cloak, holding one of the vessels containing the gifts.
To the right, the three kings are depicted: the eldest Magus, Caspar, kneels before the Christ Child, having placed his crown on the ground nearby, and reverently kisses Jesus's foot. The second Magus, Melchior, stands behind him in an orange cloak, holding a precious vessel. The third Magus, King Balthasar, is shown in the right foreground wearing light green garments and an earring. The Magi presented Jesus with three gifts: gold – signifying royalty, frankincense – signifying divinity, and myrrh – signifying mortality.
In the background, a large royal retinue is visible, including attendants in turbans and horsemen.
According to the Gospel of Matthew (Matt 2:11–12): "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh".
The Holy Family is positioned on the left side of the composition. The Virgin Mary, attired in a pink dress and a blue-green maphorion, holds the infant Jesus, who reaches out with both hands to touch the forehead of one of the Magi. Beside them sits Saint Joseph in a green tunic and an ochre cloak, holding one of the vessels containing the gifts.
To the right, the three kings are depicted: the eldest Magus, Caspar, kneels before the Christ Child, having placed his crown on the ground nearby, and reverently kisses Jesus's foot. The second Magus, Melchior, stands behind him in an orange cloak, holding a precious vessel. The third Magus, King Balthasar, is shown in the right foreground wearing light green garments and an earring. The Magi presented Jesus with three gifts: gold – signifying royalty, frankincense – signifying divinity, and myrrh – signifying mortality.
In the background, a large royal retinue is visible, including attendants in turbans and horsemen.
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery
