Digital Collection
The Adoration of the Magi, Albrecht Altdorfer
Albrecht Altdorfer
The Adoration of the Magi
DE
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Albrecht Altdorfer

The Adoration of the Magi, ca. 1530 – 1535

Dimensions
109.2 x 77.3 x min. 0.6 cm
maximum depth
0.6 cm
Physical Description
Mixed technique on limewood
Inventory Number
SG 452
Acquisition
Acquired in 1928
Status
On display, 2nd upper level, Old Masters, room 2

Texts

About the Work

Altdorfer was born in Regensburg and is the most important representative of the so-called Danube School. This late work is characteristic of its style. The figures and the setting fuse to create a festive scene. Maria's mantle and head covering flow in voluptuous folds, and the Three Kings are opulently dressed. The architecture of the ruins, shown in great detail, is intricate and overgrown with climbing plants. Even the sky is decorated. Extravagant perspectives like the Star of Bethlehem, depicted from below, and the wooden beams above the dark-skinned king heighten the decorative effect.

Audio

  • Basic information
    01:31
  • Focus on religion
    01:24

Work Data

Basic Information

Title
The Adoration of the Magi
Painter
Period Produced
School
Object Type
Physical Description
Mixed technique on limewood
Material
Technique

Property and Acquisition

Institution
Administration
Collection
Creditline
Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main
Picture Copyright
Public Domain
Acquisition
Acquired in 1928

Work Content

Motifs and References

Genre
Main Motif
Persons Shown
Associated Persons and Institutions
Illustrated Passage
  • Bibel, Neues Testament, Matthäus 2,1–11

Iconclass

Primary
  • 73B57 adoration of the kings: the Wise Men present their gifts to the Christ-child (gold, frankincense and myrrh)
Secondary
  • 48C149 ruin of a building ~ architecture
  • 48C161 column, pillar ~ architecture
  • 24D stars

Research and Discussion

Conservation and Restoration

Art-technology findings and/or documentation regarding conservation and restoration are available for this work. If interested, please contact .

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Last update

29.03.2023