Aanbidding van de Koningen 1613 - 1661

Jan Gerritsz van Bronckhorst created this print, “Adoration of the Kings,” in the Netherlands, sometime in the mid-17th century. The scene depicts the three kings visiting the newborn Jesus, a common subject in European art, representing the recognition of Christ's divinity by worldly powers. Bronckhorst sets the scene among classical ruins, a way of associating Christianity with the Roman Empire and suggesting Christianity’s triumph over paganism. Look closely and you'll see the artist places an African figure prominently among the kings, reflecting the growing awareness of a wider world through Dutch trade and colonization. The print was made during the Dutch Golden Age, a time of great economic prosperity but also increasing social inequality. Prints like these were often made for a growing middle class who would use them for private devotional purposes. By studying the history of Dutch trade, religious movements, and artistic patronage, we can better understand the complex meanings embedded in this seemingly simple image.