Who painted The Three Kings Tell Herod of Christ's Birth?

The Three Kings Tell Herod of Christ's Birth was painted by Augustin Hirschvogel in 1549.

Where can I see The Three Kings Tell Herod of Christ's Birth?

The Three Kings Tell Herod of Christ's Birth is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Three Kings Tell Herod of Christ's Birth?

The Three Kings Tell Herod of Christ's Birth is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Three Kings Tell Herod of Christ's Birth

Augustin Hirschvogel , 1549

The Three Kings Tell Herod of Christ's Birth is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Augustin Hirschvogel. It dates from 1549 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Three Kings Tell Herod of Christ's Birth is a 1549 etching by Augustin Hirschvogel, a German Renaissance artist with diverse expertise in art, mathematics, and cartography. This religious print exemplifies his prolific output of small landscape etchings from 1545 to 1549.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a biblical scene where the Three Kings inform Herod of Jesus Christ's birth. Herod, bearded and uneasy, gestures in response as the kings, in elaborate attire, kneel offering gifts, amidst a bustling background of onlookers and animals. The composition conveys the narrative tension and Herod's apprehension.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, sketchy lines suggestive of a hasty drawing, the etching showcases Hirschvogel's adept use of the medium. The dense, dynamic composition with multiple elements reflects the artist's affiliation with the Danube School, known for intricate and lively depictions.

History & Provenance

Created in 1549, this work is part of Hirschvogel's notable series of thirty-five small landscape etchings. While specific provenance details are not provided, its creation aligns with the artist's active period within the Danube School in Bavaria and Austria during the 16th century.

Context

This etching, with its German inscription, was likely intended for a contemporary Central European audience familiar with biblical narratives. The use of etching, a relatively new technique at the time, allowed for wider dissemination of the image.

Legacy

While not individually renowned outside of Hirschvogel's broader oeuvre, this etching contributes to the understanding of 16th-century religious art and the technical evolution of etching in the Renaissance. Its style, characteristic of the Danube School, reflects the artistic trends of its time.