About the Work
In the sixteenth century Antwerp, a major trade metropolis, became one of north-western Europe’s leading art centres. Among its many painters’ workshops were a number of studios that worked closely with one another. For want of a better name, the respective artists are collectively known as the ‘Antwerp Mannerists’. One of their main representatives, the ‘Master of the von Groote Adoration’, was named after this work. Here, he depicted the ‘Adoration of the Magi’ in a wealth of detail, accompanying it with two Old Testament scenes that serve as a commentary.
About the Acquisition
Dagmar Westberg was born in Hamburg but chose to live in Frankfurt. On the occasion of her ninety-fourth birthday, she generously donated to the Städel the 'Altar of the Master of the von Groote Adoration', which is regarded as one of the most important Netherlandish works of its time. Since 2000 the Dagmar Westberg Foundation has supported the Städel Museum's Department of Drawings and Prints through, among other things, new purchases. In addition to its support of fine art, the foundation also supports social projects in Frankfurt.
