The Adoration of the Kings (1510-15) by Jan Gossaert (Jean Gossart)The National Gallery, London
The Magi crossed Eastern countries to visit the Nativity. Even the painting shows us the traces of a journey: a path connecting Italy to Flanders. Shall we go?
Gossaert sets the scene between ancient ruins as Italian Renaissance painters did. Similarly to those masters, he had the chance to study Roman remains as well, during an expedition following Philip the Good.
The Italian influence can be perceived in the Virgin’s face Leonardesque traits. However, the painter sticks to the Flemish tradition in the way he depicts the city in the background…
…and in the wealth of details to decorate the painting. The Magi’s marvellous gifts look like they’re pieces of gold work! The characters themselves remind us of some statuettes made of precious metals.
And, in this triumphal decoration, we find the painter’s signature. Can you read it? It’s under Balthazar’s crown. The artist links his name to a gesture of great expertise together with the ability to create a blend of Flemish tradition and Italian Renaissance.
Text and audio by eArs ▬ making arts & culture a place for everybody
