The Adoration of the Magi
Relief
late 16th century - early 17th century (made)
late 16th century - early 17th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This alabaster relief of the Adoration of the Magi is probably South Netherlandish and made in the late 16th to the early 17th century.
There are two sorts of alabaster. Calcite alabaster is very hard and was used in ancient times. And gypsum alabaster which is a fine-grained, soft and smooth stone. Although at first glance it looks a little like marble, which it was intended to imitate, it was much easier to carve due to its softness, and alabaster objects were therefore significantly cheaper to produce.
There are two sorts of alabaster. Calcite alabaster is very hard and was used in ancient times. And gypsum alabaster which is a fine-grained, soft and smooth stone. Although at first glance it looks a little like marble, which it was intended to imitate, it was much easier to carve due to its softness, and alabaster objects were therefore significantly cheaper to produce.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Adoration of the Magi (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Deeply recessed carving in alabaster |
| Brief description | Relief, alabaster, the Adoration of the Magi, probably South Netherlands, late 16th to early 17th century |
| Physical description | The Virgin and Child surrounded by the three Magi and their attendants, with animals in the background. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Given by Mr. K. Dingwall |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This alabaster relief of the Adoration of the Magi is probably South Netherlandish and made in the late 16th to the early 17th century. There are two sorts of alabaster. Calcite alabaster is very hard and was used in ancient times. And gypsum alabaster which is a fine-grained, soft and smooth stone. Although at first glance it looks a little like marble, which it was intended to imitate, it was much easier to carve due to its softness, and alabaster objects were therefore significantly cheaper to produce. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.6-1911 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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