Three Kings on their Journey to Bethlehem 1846

Joseph Binder presents in this artwork the journey of the Three Kings to Bethlehem, guided by an angel. The angel hovering above, directing with its outstretched arm, is a symbol of divine guidance. This motif echoes across cultures, reminiscent of Hermes, the messenger of the gods, guiding souls. Consider, too, the gifts carried by the Kings: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts transcend their material value. Gold, a symbol of kingship; frankincense, of divinity; and myrrh, of mortality. This triangulation encapsulates the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. The boat itself, cutting through the waters, mirrors Charon's ferry across the river Styx, but here, it carries not souls to the underworld, but seekers towards enlightenment. These symbols resonate with our collective memory, evoking an emotional response that bridges the ancient world with our present understanding. The journey is circular; such imagery, constantly re-emerging, reminds us of the eternal quest for meaning.