The Wise Men out of the East 1868

John La Farge created this print, "The Wise Men out of the East," with wood engraving on paper. La Farge, active in the late 19th century, lived in a period marked by significant cultural exchange and, simultaneously, the entrenchment of racial and cultural stereotypes. This work depicts the biblical story of the Magi following the Star of Bethlehem. However, La Farge subtly infuses the scene with an awareness of the complexities of cultural representation. Notice the diverse features and garbs of the wise men, a deliberate choice that moves away from homogenous depictions. The artist engages with the narrative's symbolic potential, reflecting the period's fascination with the "Orient" while also subtly challenging its reduction to stereotype. La Farge, who traveled extensively in Asia and the Pacific, incorporated his observations into his art. His work encourages us to consider how cultural narratives, even those seemingly universal, are shaped by the artist's perspective. How might this depiction challenge or perpetuate certain assumptions about identity and cultural exchange?