Adoration of the Magi
1590/98
Medium
Pen and brown ink and black chalk, with brush and brown wash, heightened with gouache, on green laid paper, laid down on tan laid card
Dimensions
20.8 × 30.6 cm (8 1/4 × 12 1/16 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
80917
Art Historical Context
### Adoration of the Magi captivating drawing, *Adoration of the Magi by Benedetto Caliari (5–1598), dates to around 1590–98 and captures the biblical scene of the three wise paying homage to the Christ Child. Benedetto, younger brother of the renowned Venetian master Paolo Veronese, worked his family's vibrant workshop, contributing to grand altarpieces and frescoes Venice. Created during the late Renaissance, when Mannerist elegance was giving way to Baroque drama, the work reflects the Caliari brothers' signature style: dynamic compositions, rich narratives, and a theatrical sense of ligh...