The Adoration of the Magi 1725 - 1786

Jacob Andries Beschey painted "The Adoration of the Magi" during the 18th century, a time marked by the expansion of the Enlightenment and the rise of colonial empires. Beschey offers us a scene teeming with people from different cultures, social classes, and races, each converging to witness a pivotal moment. The magi themselves, traditionally interpreted as representatives of different continents, kneel before the Christ Child, laden with gifts which allude to global trade. While ostensibly a celebration of faith, consider how the presence of enslaved or subjugated peoples serves as a shadow, hinting at the era's fraught relationship with race and power. Note how Beschey positions the figures, creating a visual hierarchy that reflects the social structures of his time. As you look, how does the painting challenge or reinforce your understanding of faith, power, and representation?