The Adoration Of The Magi - Italian School, Late 17th Century

Southern Italian school from the end of the 17th century
The adoration of the Magi
Oil on canvas
H. 83 cm; L. 96 cm

Provenance: Private collection, Lyon

The Adoration of the Magi is a recurring theme in painting spanning the centuries and its representation also remains on the same compositional logic. Joseph, always in the background and often in the shadows, watches the scene of the three kings who have come to offer their gifts to the Child. Following them, a procession arrives in crowds to also kneel beside the savior. Whether you are looking at an incunabula or a large 19th century church painting, the arrangement of the elements and the given frame remain the same. Here, the Italian artist is certainly working in Naples, uses very dark tones in the backgrounds and a great contrast with the central characters displaying divine light. These colors are typical of southern Italy.