Aanbidding door de koningen 1607

"Adoration of the Kings" is a 17th-century etching by Giovanni Lanfranco. It illustrates the biblical scene of the three kings, or magi, paying homage to the infant Jesus. During Lanfranco's time, artists often navigated religious and political expectations. Here, the representation of wealth and power, through the kings' gifts, meets the humbleness of the Virgin and Child. Consider how this image upholds traditional religious narratives, yet invites us to reflect on the intersections of power, divinity, and humanity. The expressions on the faces of the magi, from reverence to curiosity, draw us into this pivotal, intimate moment. This etching serves as a lens through which we can examine the complex relationships between religious devotion, earthly authority, and the intimate, human experience of faith.