Peter Paul Rubens 1577 – 1640

The Adoration of the Magi (1624)

oil on panel (447 × 336 cm) — 1624 Museum Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp

Peter Paul Rubens biography

This work is linked to Matthew 2:11

The central figure is one of the Magi, kneeling before Jesus, who is resting on a pillow. The wise man is dressed like a priest and holds a censer, as if he were celebrating mass.

Behind him, looking rather disturbed, is the second wise man. The third, wearing a turban, is on the second row in the center. They can be identified by the gifts they're holding, as opposed to their colorful company.

The panel was made for the church of St. Michael's abbey in Antwerp.

Rubens made several paintings of the Adoration of the Magi, e.g. in 1618.

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