The Collection
The American Wing Ancient Near Eastern Art Arms and Armor The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing Asian Art The Cloisters The Costume Institute Drawings and Prints Egyptian Art European Paintings European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Greek and Roman Art Islamic Art Robert Lehman Collection The Libraries Medieval Art Musical Instruments Photographs Antonio Ratti Textile Center Modern and Contemporary Art

Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi

early 16th century

Not on view

In this miniature altarpiece, the entourage of the Wise Men who pay homage to Jesus includes both camels and an elephant. The names linked to these magi are spelled out beneath: Casper, Melchior, and Balthasar. Images of lions had long served as supports for small altarpieces and reliquaries. Here they give no hint of ferociousness or even vigilance; rather they appear well fed and sleepy.

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi, Boxwood, Netherlandish — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi, Boxwood, Netherlandish

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi, Boxwood, Netherlandish

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi, Boxwood, Netherlandish

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi, Boxwood, Netherlandish

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi, Boxwood, Netherlandish

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi, Boxwood, Netherlandish

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi, Boxwood, Netherlandish

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi, Boxwood, Netherlandish

Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi, Boxwood, Netherlandish

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

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Miniature Altarpiece with the Adoration of the Magi

Date: early 16th century

Culture: Netherlandish

Medium: Boxwood

Dimensions: Open: 6 1/8 × 5 1/8 × 1 1/8 in. (15.6 × 13 × 2.9 cm)
Closed: 6 1/8 × 3 3/4 × 1 1/8 in. (15.6 × 9.6 × 2.9 cm)

Classification: Sculpture-Miniature-Wood

Credit Line: The Thomson Collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto (AGOID.34208)

The Met

Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.