An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
The Adoration of the MagiWorkshop of Cornelis Engebrechtsz. (Netherlandish, 1460/65-1527)
1515/25
Netherlands
28.2 × 35.6 cm (11 3/16 × 14 in.); Painted surface: 27.7 × 34.9 cm (10 7/8 × 13 3/4 in.); Framed: 40.1 × 46.7 × 7 cm (15 3/4 × 18 3/8 × 2 3/4 in.)
Oil on panel
Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson Collection
['16th Century']
['Virgin and child/Madonna and child', 'architechture', 'figures', 'king', 'knights', 'trees', 'Century of Progress', "world's fairs", "Chicago World's Fairs"]
['oil on panel', 'paint', 'painting', 'european painting']
['oil paint (paint)', 'organic material', 'panel (wood)']
['painting', 'oil painting', 'painting (image making)', 'painting techniques', 'panel painting']
The half-length format of this jewel-like painting makes the subject of the adoration of the Christ Child accessible, while the departure of the magi and their exotic followers enlivens the rocky landscape of the background. This picture was probably made for the market of discriminating private collectors just developing in the Low Countries in the early 16th century. Cornelis Engebrechtsz. worked in the northern city of Leiden but apparently made this small painting for export and sale in the more cosmopolitan southern provinces of the Low Countries, then the center of the emerging art market. Its design was copied in several paintings and illuminations made in Bruges.
| attributed to Art Institute of Chicago under CC-By license
In the gentle embrace of a dimly lit room, a half-length painting captures the viewer's gaze, drawing them into a moment timeless and profound. The centerpiece of this exquisite work is the adoration of the Christ Child, cradled tenderly within an aura of warmth and divinity. The figures gathered around him, lost in wonder and devotion, evoke a sense of peace that radiates like the soft glow of candlelight.
Behind this serene tableau lies a rocky landscape, alive with the departure of the magi and their exotic entourage. Each detail brims with life, as if the earth itself pulses in celebration of this sacred encounter. The rocky outcrops jut into the scene, framing the divine moment with nature's rugged beauty, creating a perfect contrast to the soft vulnerability of the Christ Child.
This painting was conceived in an era when the art market began to bloom in the Low Countries, which makes its origin all the more fascinating. Crafted by the skilled hand of Cornelis Engebrechtsz., an artist based in the northern city of Leiden, it reflects the nascent desires of discerning private collectors hungry for beauty and meaning. The piece is a jewel, designed not just as a work of art but as a gateway into the unfolding narrative of an era rich with cultural exchange and burgeoning artistry.
As the painting traveled southwards, it found its place among the cosmopolitan charm of the Low Countries, where enthusiasts sought to adorn their walls with reflections of their faith and culture. Its design inspired numerous reproductions and illuminations in the vibrant city of Bruges, where it whispered stories of reverence and awe to all who beheld it.
This hidden gem, a small painting with a grand story, bridges the past and present, allowing us to experience the echoes of devotion that have resonated through decades. It invites us, much like the magi, to embark on our own journey of appreciation and understanding, reminding us to seek the divine in the art that surrounds us.
About the artist
Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe—and one of Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” US attractions of 2023. We look forward to your visit and invite you to explore our many exhibitions and to join us for one of our free daily tours in-person.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Institute's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, USA 60603
The best place to view The Art Institute of Chicago‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.