Adoration of the Magi 1485

Geertgen tot Sint Jans created this oil-on-wood painting, titled "Adoration of the Magi," in the Netherlands around 1480-90. The scene depicts the three kings presenting gifts to the infant Jesus, a common subject for artists in the late Middle Ages. But, look closer. The varied ethnicities of the magi reflect the growing awareness of global diversity in Europe at the time, which was spurred by increasing trade and exploration. How does the artist portray race and social status? How do the gifts they bear connect with religious and cultural beliefs? These features offer a glimpse into the social and cultural environment of the Netherlands during this era. Religious institutions commissioned and displayed works like this, shaping the way biblical stories were understood by the public. By studying patronage records and theological texts, we can better understand the complex interplay of faith, power, and artistic expression in Sint Jans' time.