The Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus is shown reclining under a canopy. Joseph is seated below holding his staff in his left hand and resting his head on his right. Next to him are the heads of the Ox and Ass. In the background the Magi are shown presenting gifts to Jesus.
The Gospel of Matthew records how three wise men or Magi came from the East to present gold, frankincense and myrrh to the infant Christ, guided by a miraculous star.
The upper part of the panel is badly broken.
Physical description
[Panel] The crowned Virgin, wearing a tight-fitting gown and a cloak, is sitting up on a bed under a canopy, leaning against two cushions, with her legs stretched out and covered by a wide blanket, which drapes over the side of the bed. She supports the naked figure of the Christ Child who sits cross-legged on her lap. He turns to touch with his left hand a cup held out to him by the bearded king, Gaspar, who holds the unusually large cover of the cup in his left hand. His crown is not shown; his hair and beard are carved in a decorative manner. The bearded Melchior, wearing a crown, stands behind the bed, pointing with his left hand towards a star carved on the canopy and holding a boat-shaped container with his right hand. Next to him stands the third king, Balthasar, who wears a girded doublet and tippet. He points to the star with his right hand, holding a covered cup in his left. In front of the bed is seated the bearded St. Joseph, sleeping with his head resting on his right hand and holding his staff with his left. Next to him in the centre of the panel the ox and the ass feed from a manger.
There are many breaks repaired in plaster in the upper part of the panel. The bed canopy is a separate fragment which may be from another panel. The Child's right hand is missing. The original head of Balthasar is missing and has been replaced by what appears to be the head of the Virgin, with her characteristic trefoil crown, from another panel. Green paint and the usual daisy pattern remain on the ground at the bottom of the panel. Traces of gilding and reddish-brown paint remain on the hair of the figures, except Gaspar's hair and beard which are grey. The back of the panel bears three lead-plugged holes with looped latten wires attached. The bottom has been slightly cut away.
Place of Origin
England, Great Britain (made)
Date
second half 15th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Carved, painted and gilt alabaster
Dimensions
[Panel] Height: 39.4 cm, Width: 26.2 cm
Object history note
Formerly in the Musée Van Stolk. Acquired by Dr W. L. Hildburgh in Paris. On loan from him to the Museum since 1931. Given by W. L. Hildburgh in 1946.
Descriptive line
Alabaster panel and associated fragments depicting the Adoration of the Magi. English, second half of 15th century.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 182 (cat. 109), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
Materials
Paint; Gilt; Alabaster
Techniques
Painting; Carving; Gilding
Subjects depicted
Mary (Virgin Mary); Crown; Cloak; Star; Joseph (of Nazareth, Saint); Christ; Staff; Ox; Gown; Beds (furniture); Ass; Cushion; Wise Men; Doublet; Tippet; Blanket; Covered cups; Canopies (bed components)
Categories
Sculpture; Religion; Christianity
Collection code
SCP
