De aanbidding der koningen c. 1460 - 1470

Simon Marmion created this tiny devotional image, "The Adoration of the Magi," using tempera and gold leaf on parchment, sometime in the mid-15th century. The jewel-like quality of the painting owes much to its materiality. Tempera, made from pigment bound with egg yolk, allowed for crisp details and luminous colors. The gold leaf, applied meticulously, would have caught the light, enhancing the sense of divine presence. The artist’s skill in manipulating these materials is evident in the subtle gradations of color and the delicate rendering of textures, from the rich fabrics of the kings' robes to the humble thatch of the stable roof. Medieval workshops were highly collaborative, so even a master like Marmion would have relied on assistants for tasks like grinding pigments and preparing the parchment. The precious materials and labor-intensive techniques reflect the patronage of wealthy elites and the high value placed on religious imagery at the time. Paying close attention to materials, process, and social context allows us to appreciate not only the beauty of the painting but also the complex network of skills, labor, and patronage that brought it into being.