Adoration of the Kings 1889

Editor: This is Timothy Cole’s "Adoration of the Kings," made in 1889. It's a wood engraving. What strikes me most is how timeless and serene it feels, despite being rendered in such a graphic style. What catches your eye about this print? Curator: I am drawn to the halos. They serve not merely as symbols of divinity, but as signifiers of a continuous, shared cultural memory. The circle, an ancient symbol, represents wholeness and eternity. What effect do you think that those symbols have on our reading of this work as an historical rendering of religious narrative? Editor: I see what you mean. They kind of bridge the gap between then and now, don’t they? We recognize them instantly as religious, but I suppose without them, it would be harder to place or interpret the scene. Curator: Precisely. Consider the attentive expressions. They mirror our own yearning for connection with something greater, an almost universal human experience across time. The image of adoration persists as a testament to this deep-seated desire for transcendence and meaning. Do you think we can extend the symbolism to include non-Christian cultures? Editor: Hmmm, good question. It is something innately and universally human to "adore," in one's own personal way. It makes me wonder about different images of leaders and divine figures across various religions and cultures. Curator: Indeed, the visual language of devotion—whether through posture, gaze, or offering—speaks across cultural boundaries. Images like this function as powerful reminders of our shared human search for the sacred. What would you say that you've taken away from looking closely at those different perspectives? Editor: That understanding of shared, universal desires and their symbolic representations definitely deepens my experience. Curator: Likewise, it enriches my own viewing, especially to learn how images resonate with new audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of visual storytelling.