The adoration of the Kings 1650

This is Abraham van Diepenbeeck's drawing, "The Adoration of the Kings." Made with pen and brown ink, it illustrates a biblical scene rich with the visual languages of 17th-century Flemish society. Look at the varied roles and body types depicted; the regal bearing of one king, contrasted with the figure of a groom and horses, alongside another king who appears to be a dwarf. These characterizations speak to the social hierarchies and perceptions of difference prevalent during van Diepenbeeck's time. The inclusion of a dwarf in such a ceremonial scene invites us to consider the complex ways in which physical and social identities were negotiated and represented in art. The drawing is not just a religious depiction, but a reflection of cultural attitudes towards status, ability, and the body. It invites us to consider how these historical representations might challenge or reinforce contemporary understandings of identity and representation.