The middle panel of The Pearl of Brabant: Adoration of the Magi 1445

Dirk Bouts painted this middle panel of 'The Pearl of Brabant: Adoration of the Magi' in the Netherlands sometime in the mid-15th century. It shows the three kings presenting gifts to the infant Christ. At the time, this region of Europe was undergoing rapid commercial expansion, and this painting reflects the values of its society. It's clear that Bouts wants to show the wealth and luxury items that characterized the emerging mercantile class. But look closer - the artist seems equally interested in signaling the relationship between the Church and the state. This message is reinforced by the architectural framework, featuring bas-relief carvings of Old Testament scenes. We can see that Bouts was responding to the religious and political climate of his time through details like these. The work isn't only a depiction of a biblical scene, but a commentary on the artist’s society. Studying historical documents from the period can show us how this image participated in larger cultural conversations. Through this we begin to understand how the meaning of art is always contingent on its social context.