Artwork
The adoration of the kings
The adoration of the kings is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Pieter Lastman. It dates from 1608 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The act of offering gifts underscores the recognition of Christ's kingship and divinity by the Gentile world, a central theme of the Epiphany narrative.
The painting depicts the Adoration of the Magi, a biblical episode in which the three wise men pay homage to the newborn Christ. The composition centers on the Christ Child and the Virgin Mary, who receive the Magi, traditionally named Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, as they present their gifts. The act of offering gifts underscores the recognition of Christ's kingship and divinity by the Gentile world, a central theme of the Epiphany narrative.
The religious genre of the work reinforces its devotional purpose, presenting the Magi's homage as both a moment of worship and a symbolic acknowledgment of Christ's universal significance.
Technique & Style
The work is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 97.5 cm in height by 132 cm in width, created in 1608 by Pieter Lastman. It belongs to the religious genre and portrays the adoration of the Magi, with the Christ Child, Mary, and the three kings identified as Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar. The composition centers on the intimate exchange of gifts, arranging the figures in a balanced grouping that emphasizes the narrative focus.
History & Provenance
The Adoration of the Kings is an oil-on-canvas painting executed by Pieter Lastman in 1608. The composition portrays the Christ Child, the Virgin Mary, and the three Magi, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, presenting gifts. The painting measures 97.5 cm in height and 132 cm in width and dates from the early phase of Lastman's career.
It was formerly held by the Hermitage Museum, where it remained until 1917, and is now in the collection of the National Gallery Prague, catalogued under inventory number DO 4563.
Overview
Pieter Lastman, a Dutch painter from the early 17th century, completed The Adoration of the Kings in 1608. This oil painting exemplifies his work in history painting, a genre for which he was particularly recognized. The composition illustrates the Biblical account of the three Magi presenting their offerings to the infant Christ.
Reflecting influences from the early Baroque Italian movement, the artwork is now part of the collection at the State Hermitage Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pieter Lastman (1583–1633) was a Dutch painter. Lastman is considered important because of his work as a painter of history pieces and because his pupils included Rembrandt and Jan Lievens. In his paintings Lastman paid…
Adoration of the Kings, after van Loon
The Adoration of the Magi
The adoration of the magi
Adoration of the Magi
Garden of love
The presentation of Christ in the temple
The Adoration of the Shepherds
The Idolatry of Solomon
The Continence of Scipio Africanus
Adoración de los Reyes Magos
The Levite and his Concubine at Gibeah- The large Adoration of the Kings