Who painted The adoration of the magi?

The adoration of the magi was painted by Bartholomeus Breenbergh in 1650-01-01.

Where can I see The adoration of the magi?

The adoration of the magi is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is The adoration of the magi?

The adoration of the magi is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

The adoration of the magi

Bartholomeus Breenbergh , 1650

The adoration of the magi is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Bartholomeus Breenbergh. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This iconography symbolizes the recognition of Jesus's divinity by the Gentile world, representing the universal scope of the Christian message.

The work illustrates the biblical episode of the Adoration of the Magi, a central theme in religious art. The composition features the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child as the primary recipients of reverence from the Biblical Magi. This iconography symbolizes the recognition of Jesus's divinity by the Gentile world, representing the universal scope of the Christian message.

By depicting this specific moment of homage, the painting serves as a visual meditation on the incarnation and the acknowledgment of Christ's kingship by foreign rulers.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1650, this religious painting by Bartholomeus Breenbergh utilizes oil paint applied to a copper support. The work measures 29 cm in height and 49 cm in width. The choice of copper as a substrate allows for the fine detail characteristic of the artist's handling, depicting the biblical scene of the Adoration of the Magi with figures including Mary and the Christ Child.

The smooth, non-absorbent nature of the metal panel facilitates a specific luminosity and precision in the rendering of the religious subject matter.

History & Provenance

The painting, an oil on copper by Bartholomeus Breenbergh, is held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it is accessioned under object number SK-C-1960. The available sources do not document a detailed chain of ownership prior to the museum or a verified exhibition history for the work.

Overview

Bartholomeus Breenbergh, a Dutch Golden Age painter, created The Adoration of the Magi around 1650. This painting, executed on a copper support, illustrates the biblical narrative of the three wise men paying homage to the Christ Child and the Virgin Mary. The work reflects Breenbergh's distinctive Italianate landscape style, even though it was produced in Amsterdam. It is presently housed in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

Artist & collection

Artist

Bartholomeus Breenbergh

Bartholomeus Breenbergh (before 13 November 1598 – after 3 October 1657) was a Dutch Golden Age painter of Italian and Italianate landscapes, in Rome (1619-1630) and Amsterdam (1630-1657).