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Giorgione, 'The Adoration of the Kings', 1506-7

About the work

Overview

The shape and subject matter of this picture suggest that it was possibly painted as part of the predella (or lower part) of an altarpiece, although predellas were already rare in Venetian art during Giorgione’s lifetime.

The Virgin, Child and Saint Joseph are sitting on the steps of the stable where Christ has been born. The Three Kings have brought gifts to present to Christ, and kneel at a slight distance from the holy family. Caspar has already given his glass casket of myrrh to Joseph; the oldest king, Melchior, is about to present a golden bowl. Balthasar, the youngest king, kneels further away holding a glass orb that probably contains frankincense. The attendants wear exotic costumes and turbans, recalling their origins in the East. This painting is part of the so-called Allendale Group (after the Allendale Adoration of the Shepherds in the National Gallery of Art, Washington), paintings from earlier in Giorgione’s career which form the cornerstones of our understanding of his work.

Key facts

Details

Full title
The Adoration of the Kings
Artist
Giorgione
Artist dates
1473/4? – 1510
Date made
1506-7
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
29.8 × 81.3 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1884
Inventory number
NG1160
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Frame
16th-century Italian 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.

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