The Adoration of the Magi
ca. 1430 - ca. 1440
Medium
paper
Dimensions
124; 127
About this artwork
zilverstift in bruin op lichtgroen geprepareerd papier
Art Historical Context
### The Adoration of the Jan van Eyck, a master of the Northern Renaissance from the early 15th century, the biblical scene of the Magi adoring the Christ Child in this intimate drawing, dated around 1430–1440. Known for his revolutionary use of oil paints and meticulous detail in panel paintings like the *Ghent Altarpiece*, van Eyck here demonstrates his exceptional draftsmanship on a modest scale—measuring just 124 mm by 127 mm. The *Adoration of the Magi* was a popular motif in medieval and Renaissance art, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles and the gifts of gold, frankin...
About the Artist
Jan van Eyck · 1390–1441
Jan van Eyck, a pioneering Netherlandish painter born around 1390 in Maaseik (in present-day Belgium), emerged as a central figure in the Early Netherlandish school during the Northern Renaissance. His early life remains sparsely documented, with no records of formal training, teachers, or art schools; the first mention of his activity dates to 1422, when he served as court painter and valet de ch...