The Adoration of the Magi
1766
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1766
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a group of people gathered around a woman holding a baby. The scene looks busy, with some figures kneeling, others standing, and a few angels floating above. A crumbling stone wall and a distant tower are in the background, while plants and flowers add detail to the scene. The artist used shading and lines to create depth, making some figures look closer than others. The mix of textures—like the rough wall and soft fabrics—stands out. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this one made prints.
