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The Adoration of the Magi

Photo credit: The Henry Barber Trust, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham

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The Three Kings, or Magi, approach the infant Christ with their gifts. Despite their worldly wealth, they bow to Christ who is acclaimed as the King of Kings. The setting in a ruined classical building symbolises the fate of paganism and of the old gods. They will be ruined as a result of Christ’s divine mission. Bassano uses the theme to show off his skill in painting sumptuous robes and a splendid retinue of animals and servants. The dazzling effect is enhanced by the painting’s exceptional condition.
Title

The Adoration of the Magi

Date

late 1560s

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 94.3 x W 130 cm

Accession number

78.1

Acquisition method

purchased, 1978

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands B15 2TS England

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