Aanbidding der koningen c. 1500 - 1550

This drawing, *Adoration of the Magi,* was made by Joos van Cleve around the early 16th century. Van Cleve lived in a world steeped in religious symbolism, where art served as a medium to convey spiritual truths and moral lessons. The drawing depicts the three kings presenting gifts to the infant Jesus. While seemingly a straightforward biblical scene, it also reflects the socio-political realities of the time. Consider the power dynamics at play: the humble setting of the birth juxtaposed with the regal bearing of the kings, who traveled from afar. Note the expressions on the faces of the crowd, as they betray a mix of reverence, curiosity, and skepticism. How does this juxtaposition challenge traditional notions of power and authority? In a society where the church held immense sway, Van Cleve uses the story of the Magi to explore themes of faith, humility, and the universality of salvation, and it offers us a glimpse into the complex tapestry of beliefs and social structures that defined his era.