The Adoration of the Magi

Copy after Hugo van der Goes Netherlandish

Not on view

Highly differentiated in their appearance here, the biblical Magi allegedly each came from a different continent: Asia, Africa, and Europe. As such, Caspar, Balthasar, and Melchior became the patrons and protectors of travelers and foreign merchants. In the early sixteenth century, Antwerp was the economic hub of western Europe. Its wealthy merchants identified closely with the Magi, thus prompting great interest in and the mass production of paintings of this theme. Another nearly identical version of this painting (Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen) testifies to the popularity of this particular close-up version for open market sale.

The Adoration of the Magi, Copy after Hugo van der Goes (Netherlandish, late 15th century), Oil on wood

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