It marks the beginning of the process of Christian salvation and also serves as a prototype of Christian worship.
The Adoration of the Magi is a painting by the Italian painter Andrea Mantegna in 1462. Currently in the Getty collection, this Mantegna’s magnificent painting is based of Christianity’s most beloved stories. Andrea Mantegna a painter, draftsman, and printmaker was born near Padua, Italy in 1431. He was the son of a carpenter called Bagio.
The Adoration of the Magi, was one of the three paintings owned by Medici family from at least 1587, and listed in that year as belonging to the Florentine collection of Antonio, son of Francesco I and Bianca Cappello.
Nothing was known about the painting until the early nineteenth century, when it was thought to have been brought to England by Alexander Baring, first Lord Ashburton. It was first shown publicly in London at the Royal Academy in 1871, and then at New Gallery in 1894.
In this painting Adoration of the Magi, the three kings or wise man, some people said, the first one called Melchior. He was an old man, with white hair and long beard. He offered gold to the Lord. The second one was Gaspar. He was beardless; young offered Jesus his gift of incense. The third one Baltasar; he held his hand prefigured the death of the Son of man.
Magi actually were the important man of their own country and may be from royal family.
Mantegna portrays the event at its expressive and physical climax. On one side is the Holy Family. The baby Jesus is held up for the Magi to see by his mother Mary. Her husband Joseph stands behind, regarding the exotic strangers.
J. Paul Getty Museum acquired the Adoration of the Magi in 1985.
Adoration of the Magi by Mantegna (1431-1506)
