Who painted Triptych with the Adoration of the Magi?

Triptych with the Adoration of the Magi was painted by Master of the Female Half-Lengths.

Where can I see Triptych with the Adoration of the Magi?

Triptych with the Adoration of the Magi is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Artwork

Triptych with the Adoration of the Magi

Triptych with the Adoration of the Magi is a paint painting by Master of the Female Half-Lengths. It is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

The central panel presents a seated woman in dark blue holding an infant, while a kneeling figure in green offers a golden bowl.

The work is a three‑panel oil painting traditionally titled Triptych with the Adoration of the Magi. Executed by the anonymous Master of the Female Half‑Lengths, it is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin. The central panel presents a seated woman in dark blue holding an infant, while a kneeling figure in green offers a golden bowl. Flanking panels contain a solitary figure in black and a group of richly dressed men with turbans.

Subject & Meaning

The central scene suggests a devotional moment, likely referencing the biblical episode of the Magi’s homage, though the figures are rendered in a secular guise. The offering of a golden bowl may symbolize tribute or wealth, while the surrounding characters, dressed in varied attire, evoke the diverse origins of the traditional three wise men.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil on panel, the triptych displays a vivid palette of blues, greens, and reds, with careful attention to textile texture and metallic sheen. The composition balances a strong central focus with detailed background elements, including distant architecture and a blue sky, creating depth through layered landscape motifs.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the Master of the Female Half‑Lengths, an anonymous painter active in the early 16th century, the piece entered the Gemäldegalerie’s holdings in the 20th century. Its provenance prior to museum acquisition remains undocumented, reflecting the limited archival record for works by this artist.