Who painted The Adoration of the Magi?

The Adoration of the Magi was painted by Bernardino Butinone in 1496.

Where can I see The Adoration of the Magi?

The Adoration of the Magi is held by Brooklyn Museum.

What movement is The Adoration of the Magi?

The Adoration of the Magi is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

The Adoration of the Magi

Bernardino Butinone , 1496

The Adoration of the Magi is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Bernardino Butinone. It dates from 1496 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1496 by the Milanese painter Bernardino Butinone, this tempera panel presents a traditional scene of the Adoration of the Magi. The work exemplifies early Renaissance religious art and is presently held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the infant Christ receiving gifts from the three Magi, a narrative drawn from the Gospel of Matthew that symbolizes the recognition of Christ’s divinity by the Gentile world. The figures are arranged to emphasize reverence and the theological theme of universal homage.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera, the painting displays the crisp linearity and delicate coloration typical of late 15th‑century Lombard art. Butinone’s handling of light and his careful modeling of drapery reflect the influence of contemporary Milanese workshops, while the balanced spatial arrangement anticipates later High Renaissance developments.

History & Provenance

After its creation, the panel entered private collections before being acquired by the Brooklyn Museum in the 20th century. Its documented provenance traces a path from Milanese patrons to American institutional ownership, illustrating the broader movement of Renaissance works into international museum holdings.