Triptych of the Adoration of the Magi, after Pieter Coecke van Aelst

Triptych of the Adoration of the Magi

Antwerp school, after Pieter Coecke van Aelst

Mid-16th century, oil on panel

Flap doors 28 cm – painted area 19 cm

Central panel 56 cm – painted area 43.5 cm

This triptych depicts the Adoration of the Magi. On the central panel, against an architectural backdrop heralding the Renaissance, the infant Jesus, seated on the lap of the Virgin Mary, reaches out towards the casket presented to him by one of the Magi kneeling before him. Behind the Virgin, leaning over her shoulder, a second Magi wearing a turban holds a piece of gold jewellery, waiting to offer it to Christ.

The left panel shows the third wise man, still standing back, waiting his turn to present his gift. On the right panel, Saint Joseph, depicted as an old man, observes the scene leaning on his cane.