Related works

The Adoration of the Magi, ca. 1470

From the ‘Life of Mary’

Blatt: 258 x 170 mm
Darstellung: 255 x 168 mm

Physical Description: Engraving

Inventory Number: 33708

Object Number: 33708 D

Acquisition: Acquired in 1844

Status: Can be presented in the study room of the Graphische Sammlung (special opening hours)

Texts

About the Work

Guided by the star of Bethlehem, the Three Wise Men and their retinue have reached the ruin we saw in the Nativity (33706). As described in the Gospel of Matthew, they present their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They represent the three ages of life. Schongauer was a master at depicting widely differing textures—for example the velvet mantle of the kneeling king—with the means offered him by engraving.

Work Data

Basic Information

Title: The Adoration of the Magi
From the ‘Life of Mary’

Artist

Martin Schongauer

Period Produced

15th century

Object Type

art print

Physical Description: Engraving

Material

Vergé paper

Technique

copperplate engraving

Geographic Reference

German

Label at the Time of Manufacture: Monogrammiert in der Platte unten mittig: M+S [S punziert]

Captions Added Later: Verso bezeichnet (mit Bleistift): B. 6
Verso Stempel des Städelschen Kunstinstituts, Frankfurt am Main (Lugt 2356), mit zugehöriger Inventarnummer

Watermark

Kleiner Ochsenkopf mit Stange und Stern

Work Catalogues

Hollstein German XLIX.27.6 II (von IV)
TIB Bd. 8 Commentary, Nr. 0801.006
Lehrs V.56.6 (⁎⁎⁎) I (von III)
Bartsch VI.122.6

Property and Acquisition

Institution

Städel Museum

Departement

Department of Prints and Drawings

Collection

Städelsches Kunstinstitut

Creditline: Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main

Picture Copyright: Public Domain

Acquisition: Acquired in 1844

Work Content

Motifs and References

Genre

Persons Shown

Iconclass

Primary

73B2 adoration of the Christ-child ~ Christ's birth
73B57 adoration of the kings: the Wise Men present their gifts to the Christ-child (gold, frankincense and myrrh)
11F4 Madonna: i.e. Mary with the Christ-child
73B281 the ox and the ass at the manger ~ Christ's birth