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The Adoration of the Magi

Biagio Pupini

1525

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory

Dominant colour

The Adoration of the Magi is a 1525 ink by Biagio Pupini, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Biagio Pupini
When & what style?: 1525 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a group of people gathered around a bed. The figures are drawn quickly, with loose lines and soft shading. Some are standing, others kneeling, all focused on the central woman holding a child. The background looks like a simple room with a curtain or draped fabric. The drawing uses a mix of brown ink and gray wash, with white gouache added for highlights. The paper has a blue tint, which makes the figures stand out. The style feels hurried but full of movement. Next, check out the technique: gouache to see how artists use it for quick sketches.