Adoration of the Magi, This is a depiction of the adoration of the Virgin Mary and the Christ-child by the Magi after his birth in Bethlehem, as referenced in Matthew 2. The three Zoroastrian kings, according to the scriptures, were instructed by King Herod to find the "Messiah" who had been recently born and report his location, so that the king could pay homage. The Magi found the Holy Family by guidance of the Star of Bethlehem. They presented the Virgin and Child with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, signifying his status as the "King of the Jews" and his imminent death., 1504

 Item — Box: 280
Identifier: spc-mss0088-s39-i0158

Staff Only
Adoration of the Magi, This is a depiction of the adoration of the Virgin Mary and the Christ-child by the Magi after his birth in Bethlehem, as referenced in Matthew 2. The three Zoroastrian kings, according to the scriptures, were instructed by King Herod to find the "Messiah" who had been recently born and report his location, so that the king could pay homage. The Magi found the Holy Family by guidance of the Star of Bethlehem. They presented the Virgin and Child with gold, frankincense, and myrrh, signifying his status as the "King of the Jews" and his imminent death.

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Scope and Contents

Vanderbilt photo identifier: SC.MSS.088.GERM.0162; Public Notes: This work was commissioned by Frederick the Wise for the altar of the chapel in his Wittenberg Castle. It came to the Uffizi in 1792.

Dates

  • Creation: 1504

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection may be viewed only in the reading room of Special Collections in the Jean and Alexander Heard Library. Collections should be requested 2-3 days prior to visiting in order to facilitate easier access. For questions or to request a collection, contact specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu.

Biographical / Historical

Subjects: Virgin Mary; Religious Subjects; Jesus Christ; Bethlehem; Nativity; Magi; School: German; Style period: Mannerism; Technique: painting (technique); Work type: paintings

Full Extent

1 Items : Image Work Type: photographic print ; Image height (in.): 7.1; Image width (in.): 8in.

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

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