Bramantino, 'The Adoration of the Kings', about 1500
About the work
Overview
This scene is so unusual that it’s not entirely clear who the figures are intended to represent. Usually the Three Kings are shown kneeling in front of the Christ Child; here, instead, we can see two of them standing proudly before the Virgin and Child, presenting their gifts in large containers. We aren't sure which figure is intended to represent the third king.
The figure with the mane of hair who looks straight towards us is John the Baptist. It’s unusual to see him in this scene, but his baptism of Christ is celebrated on 6 January – the same day that the visit of the Three Kings is celebrated.
Bramantino was fascinated by linear perspective (using line to create an impression of three-dimensional space on a flat surface). He created a guide of intersecting lines on this panel, allowing him to paint objects and figures at the correct scale relative to each other so they appear to be in a realistic three-dimensional space.
Key facts
Details
- Full title
- The Adoration of the Kings
- Artist
- Bramantino
- Artist dates
- active 1490; died 1530
- Date made
- about 1500
- Medium and support
- oil on wood
- Dimensions
- 56.8 × 55 cm
- Acquisition credit
- Layard Bequest, 1916
- Inventory number
- NG3073
- Location
- Not on display
- Collection
- Main Collection
- Previous owners
- Frame
- 20th-century Replica Frame
About this record
If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.