The Adoration of the Magi 1470 - 1480

Justus of Ghent created this painting, The Adoration of the Magi, in the late 15th century. During this time, artists often merged religious narratives with contemporary portraits and settings, reflecting the social and political landscape of their patrons. Here, the traditional biblical scene is reimagined with figures resembling members of the court of Urbino. Notice how the artist has portrayed the three magi, who are typically depicted as kings from different parts of the world, as European noblemen, kneeling to present gifts to the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus. This not only flattens the narrative by erasing cultural diversity, but elevates the status of the European figures. The painting thus becomes a symbolic representation of power, legitimacy, and divine favor, all interwoven with personal and political identities. It blurs the lines between the sacred and secular realms, making us consider whose stories are being told, and who is being left out.