Explore the abstract of this artwork.
Adoration of the Magi is an oil on panel painting from the early 1520s by the Dutch Renaissance artist Jan Mostaert in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, where in 2020 it was on display in room 0.1. The panel measures 51 cm × 36.5 cm (20 in × 14.4 in), and the painted surface a little less at 48.5 cm × 34 cm.  It is often called the Mostaert Amsterdam Adoration in art history, to distinguish it from the multitude of other paintings of the Adoration of the Magi.
Based on the Gospel of Matthew 2:1–12, Mary sits with her child in the ruins of an elaborate palace to receive the gifts of the three Biblical Magi, whose retinues are seen in the background, with a fantasy landscape. The Christ child peers into Melchior's goblet of incense, which is inscribed "AVE MARIA" ("Hail Mary") around the rim.  To the left, Saint Joseph stands watching and talking with a well-dressed figure behind the main group, and the heads of the traditional ox and ass can be seen. Smaller scenes shown decorating the ruined architecture include three scenes from the Old Testament, and one from Christian legend.
Melchior appears to be a portrait of the unknown person who commissioned the painting, and the older Caspar may be another portrait.  The relatively small size of the panel and intimacy of the central group suggest a painting commissioned for a private house rather than a donation to a church or other public setting.
Dutch Renaissance Gospel of Matthew oil on panel Mostaert Caspar Amsterdam Jan Mostaert Old Testament portrait of the unknown person Melchior incense Adoration of the Magi Joseph Biblical Magi Saint Joseph Rijksmuseum