Adoration of the Magi 1490

Geertgen tot Sint Jans's *Adoration of the Magi* (c. 1490) is a notable example of Early Netherlandish painting. The intimate scene depicts the moment when the Three Wise Men, dressed in rich robes, kneel before the Christ child. The composition emphasizes the central figures of the Virgin Mary, the Christ child, and the Magi, with their poses and gestures forming a circle of adoration. The artwork is renowned for its detailed and lifelike portrayal of figures and the use of natural light that illuminates the scene, further enhancing its emotional impact. The presence of a stable and a ox in the background suggests the humble setting of Christ's birth, contrasting with the grandeur of the Magi.