Artwork
The Adoration of the Kings
The Adoration of the Kings is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelius van Poelenburgh. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
This depiction aligns with the genre of religious art, focusing on the theological significance of the Magi recognizing and worshipping the newborn king.
The work is a religious painting depicting the biblical scene of the Adoration of the Magi. The composition centers on the Christ Child and the Virgin Mary, who are approached by the Biblical Magi. As the main subject, the narrative captures the moment the three kings present their gifts to the infant Jesus.
This depiction aligns with the genre of religious art, focusing on the theological significance of the Magi recognizing and worshipping the newborn king.
Technique & Style
The Adoration of the Kings is an oil painting executed on wooden panel in 1638 by Cornelis van Poelenburgh. The work depicts the Biblical scene of the Magi adoring the infant Christ, with Mary and the Child at the center of the composition. Stylistically, it belongs to the religious genre and showcases the refined technique typical of Dutch Golden Age easel painting, emphasizing delicate modeling of figures and rich coloration on panel support.
History & Provenance
The Adoration of the Kings was painted by Cornelius van Poelenburgh in 1638 as an oil painting on panel. It depicts the biblical scene of the Magi adoring the infant Christ, with the Virgin Mary and Child at the center. The work entered the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display.
Its creation history is documented through its date of inception, recorded as 1638, and its classification as a religious work within the Dutch Golden Age tradition.
The painting was likely commissioned for devotional purposes, reflecting the devotional themes common among contemporary Dutch artists. Its provenance traces directly to the Statens Museum for Kunst, which holds it as part of its permanent collection, ensuring continuous public access and scholarly study.
Cornelius van Poelenburgh's 1638 oil painting, The Adoration of the Kings, is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The work depicts the biblical Magi adoring the Christ Child and Mary. While the source confirms the museum as the current location and the creation date as January 1, 1638, no specific inventory or accession number is provided in the available records. Additionally, the sources do not contain information regarding a history of exhibitions for this specific artwork.
Overview
Cornelius van Poelenburgh’s Adoration of the Kings (1638) is an oil painting that measures modestly in size, typical of the artist’s intimate compositions. Executed while he was residing in Rome, the work combines a biblical narrative with a landscape that reflects his Dutch Golden Age background. The canvas is part of the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen.
Context
Van Poelenburgh was known for integrating Italianate scenery into his small‑scale works, a trend among Dutch painters who traveled to Italy. Adoration of the Kings reflects this cross‑cultural exchange, merging Northern European attention to detail with the warm, sun‑lit ambience of the Italian countryside, situating the biblical narrative within a familiar, yet exotic, setting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis van Poelenburgh or Cornelis van Poelenburch (1594 – 12 August 1667), was a Dutch landscape painter and draughtsman.
