The Adoration of the Kings, 1510
Jan Gossaert
Oil on wood, 177 x 161 cm
National Gallery, London
(See below for a close-up)

This has got to be one of the most magnificent Renaissance paintings that captures the beauty of the Christmas spirit. I think this painting is absolutely gorgeous. The colors are so bright and cheerful.

In Jan Gossaert’s painting, The Adoration of the Kings, the artist shows the arrival of the three kings to bestow gifts on the Christ child. This large picture was probably painted as the altarpiece of the Lady Chapel at St Adrian’s Grammont, near Brussels. The kneeling King, Caspar, is probably a portrait of Johannes de Broeder, who became abbot there in 1506 and may have commissioned the picture. Behind him stands Melchior with a retinue of attendants. Balthazar is on the left. Further back an onlooker, seen through a doorway, may be a self portrait of the artist. The dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, descends to the infant from the brilliant star in the sky, and angels approach from a great distance through a series of arches, giving the scene a spectacular sense of space and depth.

deletereply caramonmajere wrote on Dec 23, ’08 Beautiful painting. TY for posting.

deletereply ladykay45 wrote on Dec 23, ’08 Absolutely gorgeous…thank you for sharing this lovely painting with us.

deletereply philsgal7759 wrote on Dec 23, ’08 Always liked this thanks

deletereply starfishred wrote on Dec 23, ’08 As far as the painting goes it is a wonder in color and perspective-thanks laurita

deletereply forgetmenot525 wrote on Dec 24, ’08 Perfect for Christmas Eve, absolutely beautiful painting, Thanks Laurita Happy holidays to every one

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on Dec 24, ’08 I love the colors in this painting.

deletereply nemo4sun wrote on Dec 26, ’08 it is magnificent 🙂

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on Dec 26, ’08 Isn’t it ? Thanks for stopping by, Nemo !

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