Peter Paul Rubens 1577 – 1640

The Adoration of the Magi (1617-18)

oil on canvas (245 × 325 cm) — 1617-18 Museum Musée des beaux-arts, Lyon

Peter Paul Rubens biography

This work is linked to Matthew 2:11

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The oldest magus kisses baby Jesus' foot. Jesus has his hand on the king's head, as if he were blessing him. A second wise man, wearing a long red cloak, is eager to also greet the newly born. The third, in yellow and wearing a turban, is more in the background, his hands on his hips.

Rubens made over ten versions of The Adoration of the Magi, for example this one from 1624. In that version the Magi bring gifts.

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