Head of One of the Three Kings – Melchior,The Assyrian King c. 1618

"Head of One of the Three Kings – Melchior, The Assyrian King" is a c. 1618 oil painting by Peter Paul Rubens, a Flemish artist known for his Baroque style. This painting depicts a close-up portrait of one of the three biblical Magi, Melchior, the Assyrian King, who is shown in profile, holding a golden vessel filled with gifts for the baby Jesus. The dramatic lighting and rich colors characteristic of Rubens are employed to create a sense of grandeur and majesty, reflecting the importance of the subject matter. This study, possibly for a larger composition, reveals Rubens's mastery of oil painting and his ability to depict religious figures with both realism and a sense of devotional fervor.