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The Adoration of the Magi

Jacques Callot

1626

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque Baroque

Dominant colour

The Adoration of the Magi is a 1626 ink by Jacques Callot, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1626 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching depicts a scene of the Adoration of the Magi, with a large crowd gathered around the Holy Family. The Virgin Mary sits on a throne, holding the infant Jesus, while Joseph stands beside her. Three kings, each bearing gifts, kneel before them. The scene is set against a backdrop of a cityscape, with people and animals milling about. In the foreground, a small child stands out, looking up at the Holy Family with a sense of wonder. The etching is rendered in fine detail, with intricate lines and textures that give the scene a sense of depth and dimensionality. The Adoration of the Magi is a classic theme in art, and this etching is a beautiful example of the Baroque style. For more information on this style, look into the movement: Baroque.