ARTWORKS

The Adoration of the Kings

Master of Liesborn (active 1460–1490)

The National Gallery, London

The Adoration of the Kings

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This is a fragment of a scene showing the Adoration of the Kings, which was part of an altarpiece made for the high altar of the Benedictine abbey at Liesborn. Two of the three kings kneel before the Christ Child, who lies in the Virgin Mary’s lap on a white cloth. They had followed a star to find the infant Christ and bring him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh (Matthew 2: 2–11). The king on the left has a fur-lined collar and holds a golden chalice; the king on the right is about to kiss Christ’s foot. Their tunics are woven with gold and studded with pearls.

Two other fragments from this scene survive in the Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History, Münster. One shows a third king before a landscape and the other a half-length figure, possibly Joseph, Mary’s husband.

The National Gallery, London

London

Read more on The National Gallery, London
Title

The Adoration of the Kings

Date

probably 1470-80

Medium

Oil on oak

Measurements

H 23.2 x W 38.7 cm

Accession number

NG258

Acquisition method

Bought, 1854

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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Artist or maker

Master of Liesborn

active 1460–1490

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