Who painted The Adoration of the Kings?

The Adoration of the Kings was painted by Unknown in 1471.

Where can I see The Adoration of the Kings?

The Adoration of the Kings is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

The Adoration of the Kings

The Adoration of the Kings is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1471 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The work entitled *Adoration of the Kings* dates to around 1471 and is attributed to an artist identified in records as 33630_person.

About this work

Overview

The work entitled *Adoration of the Kings* dates to around 1471 and is attributed to an artist identified in records as 33630_person. Executed in oil on panel, the painting is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. It presents a nocturnal tableau of the biblical episode in which the Magi honor the infant Christ, rendered with a careful balance of figures and architecture.

Subject & Meaning

At the centre of the composition stands the infant Jesus, surrounded by the three visiting kings and a group of attendants. A kneeling woman in a dark robe occupies the foreground, her posture emphasizing humility. A small white dog rests at her feet, a conventional symbol of fidelity that softens the solemnity of the scene. The gathering conveys reverence toward the newborn savior.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro to model forms, allowing light to fall on the central figures while deeper shadows recede into the background. This contrast creates a palpable sense of three‑dimensional space. The palette combines rich reds, deep blues, and muted earth tones, while the architectural backdrop and open sky frame the narrative within a coherent, yet slightly idealised, setting.

History & Provenance

Its attribution to the anonymous 33630_person reflects cataloguing conventions used by the museum to identify works lacking a documented name.

Created in the late 15th century, the painting entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through a 20th‑century acquisition, though earlier ownership details remain sparse. Its attribution to the anonymous 33630_person reflects cataloguing conventions used by the museum to identify works lacking a documented name. The piece has been displayed intermittently in exhibitions focusing on medieval devotional art.