Adoration of the Kings

Artist Puccio di Simone (Italian, active 1345–1365)

Date1353–1360

Mediumegg tempera and gold on panel

Dimensionspanel: 39.4 x 14 cm (15 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineTheodore T. and Mary G. Ellis Collection

Terms

Object number1940.34

Label TextAccording to the New Testament Gospel of Matthew, three Magi (or kings), guided by a star, found the newborn Christ and laid gifts before him. Puccio di Simone, an artist from Florence, elaborated upon the biblical account with details such as Christ's father Joseph at lower right inspecting the gold container. The bird in the baby’s hand likely represents Christ's resurrection, but it also symbolized protection against the bubonic plague. At top, an angel announces Christ's birth to a shepherd, referring to a passage in the Gospel of Luke. This painting may have been the wing of a small altarpiece for private devotion.ProvenanceTheodore T. Ellis, Worcester MA

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