Aanbidding door de koningen 1835 - 1899

Johann Leonhard Raab created this print of the Adoration of the Magi sometime in the mid-19th century. It depicts the biblical scene of the three kings visiting the infant Jesus, paying homage to him. Prints like this one served an important function in 19th-century Europe. Before photography became widespread, prints were a primary means of disseminating images and ideas. Raab’s image allowed people to experience and reflect on religious narratives outside the walls of a church. The composition is telling: the kings' attire, the architectural features, and the overall setting reflect 19th-century European tastes and sensibilities, overlaying earlier traditions. To truly understand this print, we need to delve into the cultural and social context in which it was created. Art historians explore period literature, religious texts, and other visual sources to shed light on how such images functioned in society. By exploring institutional records and publications we begin to understand its significance as a religious and cultural artifact of its time.