The Adoration of the Kings
Adoration of the Kings — Jan Gossaert, c.1510-1515
Jan Gossaert, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Jan Gossaert's Adoration of the Kings in the National Gallery is a large and spectacular Flemish altarpiece (approximately 177.2 by 161.8 cm) showing the three Magi presenting their gifts to the Christ Child in an elaborate classical architectural setting — the ruins of a Roman triumphal arch and colonnade draped with festive cloths, the Holy Family at the centre, the Magi's retinue extending back into the deep perspective space. Gossaert was one of the first Flemish painters to visit Italy (he went with Philip of Burgundy's embassy to Rome in 1508-1509) and his work after the Italian visit shows a systematic programme of integrating Italian architectural forms and perspective with the Flemish tradition of precise surface description. The Adoration is the fullest expression of this synthesis: the architecture is Italian-inspired Roman classicism; the surface description of the textiles, the armour, the figures' faces, and the landscape are pure Flemish.
Jan Gossaert (c.1478-1532), also known as Mabuse after his hometown of Maubeuge, was one of the most important Flemish painters of the generation after Memling and Gerard David. His Italian journey transformed his approach to architecture and figure composition; his mature works are distinguished by the combination of Flemish surface quality with Italian monumental scale. The Adoration was probably painted for a Flemish church patron and is one of the largest and most ambitious panel paintings of the early 16th-century Flemish school.
The architectural setting is the key innovation: a Roman triumphal arch (rendered in precise archaeological detail) frames the composition; columns and architraves create perspective depth. The Holy Family (Virgin, Child, St Joseph) occupy the central space in the arch; the three Magi approach from three sides. The oldest Magus (Melchior, by convention) kneels before the Child; the middle-aged Magus (Caspar) bows behind him; the young Magus (Balthasar, conventionally the African king) stands at the right.
When standing before this work, look carefully: Adoration of the Kings — Jan Gossaert, c.1510-1515. Give it time — what seems decorative often carries the central meaning.
When standing before this work, look carefully: The Roman triumphal arch — Italian-Flemish synthesis. Give it time — what seems decorative often carries the central meaning.
When standing before this work, look carefully: The three Magi presenting gifts. Give it time — what seems decorative often carries the central meaning.
When standing before this work, look carefully: The Holy Family at the centre. Give it time — what seems decorative often carries the central meaning.
National Gallery, Room 18 (Flemish painting), London.