Adoration of the Magi 1560 - 1630

Cesare Pollino created this red chalk drawing, “Adoration of the Magi,” sometime in the late 16th century. Pollino was working in Bologna at a time of significant religious and political tension. This sketch depicts a scene of reverence and ritual. How does Pollino challenge and reinforce traditional representations? The gathering of diverse figures—the magi, angels, and onlookers—around the infant Jesus, suggests a convergence of different cultures and perspectives. This scene speaks to the era’s grappling with identity, inclusion, and cultural exchange. What does it mean to see a European artist envisioning a story central to Christianity? Ultimately, Pollino’s work is a tender depiction of faith. This drawing invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between the personal and the communal. It encourages us to think about how artists engage with historical and cultural narratives.