Who painted The Adoration of the Magi?

The Adoration of the Magi was painted by Albrecht Altdorfer in 1513.

Where can I see The Adoration of the Magi?

The Adoration of the Magi is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Adoration of the Magi?

The Adoration of the Magi is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Adoration of the Magi

Albrecht Altdorfer , 1513

The Adoration of the Magi is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Albrecht Altdorfer. It dates from 1513 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Adoration of the Magi is a woodcut on laid paper created by Albrecht Altdorfer around 1513. As a prominent figure of the Danube School, Altdorfer was known for his expressive and detailed works.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a bustling scene of the Adoration of the Magi, with a crowd of figures, including kneeling and standing individuals, gathered around a baby, accompanied by a staff-bearing figure and a star in the sky.

Technique & Style

Characterized by intricate lines, dense shapes, and a textured appearance, the work showcases Altdorfer's skill in woodcut, a technique involving carving designs into wood blocks for printing. This method lends the image its distinctive, almost woven look.

History & Provenance

Created during the Renaissance, this woodcut reflects Altdorfer's innovative approach to landscape as an independent subject, aligning with the styles of both the Danube School and the Nuremberg Little Masters.

Context

Altdorfer's work within the Danube School and his association with the Nuremberg Little Masters place this piece within a broader movement that emphasized detailed engraving and the emerging importance of landscape in European art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Albrecht Altdorfer

Albrecht Altdorfer (c. 1480 – 12 February 1538) was a German painter, engraver and architect of the Renaissance working in Regensburg. Along with Lucas Cranach the Elder and Wolf Huber he is regarded to be the main…