The Adoration of the Magi
1540–50; 1605 (date published by Andreani)
Medium
Woodcut printed in blue
Dimensions
Sheet: 6 7/16 × 9 1/2 in. (16.3 × 24.2 cm)
Classification
Prints
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, by exchange, 1932
Accession Number
32.58.6
Art Historical Context
Behold *The Adoration of the*, a captivating chiaroscuro woodcut that brings to life the biblical scene of the three men presenting gifts to the infant Christ. Designed around 1540–50 by Mannerist masters Parmigianino (Girol Francesco Mazzola) andcolò Vicentino, it was masterfully reproduced and published in 1605 by Andrea Andre. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's and Prints department, this print measures just 6 7/16 × 9 1/2 inches, yet pulses with elegant drama characteristic of the High Renaissance transitioning to Mannerism. Printed in striking blue tones, the woodcut exemplifies ...