The Adoration of the Magi

School of Andrea Mantegna Italian

Not on view

This engraving, known only in this incomplete state, is one of the earliest unfinished prints to have survived. It reproduces, on the same scale, the right-hand portion of an important painting by the artist, and its odd cropping suggests that a fuller composition may have been originally intended. We do not know why impressions were pulled even though the print was incomplete, but perhaps Mantegna’s fame made them attractive to collectors.



The engraving is based on the central panel of Mantegna's triptych in the Uffizi, which dates about 1463-64. It has been formally attributed to Zoan Andrea by Hind (H.V.22.13), while Kristeller (Kristeller, 1901, p.463) and Zucher (TIB.XXV.Comm.98.008) left the attribution to anonymous.

The Adoration of the Magi, School of Andrea Mantegna (Italian, Isola di Carturo 1430/31–1506 Mantua), Engraving (centre of composition completed, rest in outline)

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The Adoration of the Magi, School of Andrea Mantegna (Italian, Isola di Carturo 1430/31–1506 Mantua), Engraving (centre of composition completed, rest in outline)
The Adoration of the Magi, School of Andrea Mantegna (Italian, Isola di Carturo 1430/31–1506 Mantua), Engraving (centre of composition completed, rest in outline)

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.