The Adoration of the Magi

c. 1490/1500

Israhel van Meckenem after Hans Holbein the Elder

Associated Names
Israhel van Meckenem

Artist, German, c. 1445 - 1503

Hans Holbein the Elder

Artist After, German, c. 1465 - 1524

The image shows multiple figures in a historical or religious setting. There is a seated woman with a child on her lap, viewed fully. The woman is facing slightly to the side, with long hair under a veil, dressed in robes. The child is slightly tilted towards a kneeling figure. The kneeling figure is shown from the waist up, bowing towards the child, with shoulder-length hair and a robe. Three standing men are also visible, each with distinct facial features, wearing elaborate robes and headwear. Two men hold ornate objects and appear to have long hair. Another man stands holding a vessel, dressed in a fitted outfit. A crown is on the ground around the central figures. The background includes architectural features, additional figures, and animals in a rural setting.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1964.8.1274

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Lehrs, Vol. 9, p.062, no. 56, State only


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(William Schab, New York); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1959; gift to NGA, 1964.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1967

  • Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., NGA, 1967-1968, no. 222, repro.

Bibliography

1908

  • Lehrs, Max. Geschichte und kritischer Katalog des deutschen, niederlandischen und franzosischen Kupferstichs im XV. Jahrhundert. 9 vols. and 1 plate vol. Vienna: Gesellschaft fur vervielfaltigende Kunst, 1908-1934.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1967

  • Shestack, Alan. Fifteenth Century Engravings of Northern Europe from the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.. Exh. cat. Washington: National Gallery of Art, 1967: no. 222.

Watermarks

hand with flower (Lehrs 10)

Wikidata ID

Q65508917

You may be interested in

Loading Results