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Adoration of the Kings
The painting depicts a biblical scene where the Three Kings - Melchior, Balthazar, and Caspar - present gifts to the Infant Jesus. Melchior is shown kneeling in the foreground, behind him stands Balthazar in a red cape with a lace collar, and Caspar appears between them. Behind Balthazar is a young man, and near the left shoulder of the Virgin Mary kneels St. Joseph. The composition is altar-like and features distinct chiaroscuro and intense colors typical of the Baroque.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Diego Velázquez
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Date of birth and death
Baptised on 6 June 1599 – Died 6 August 1660
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Natinality
Spanish
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Style
Baroque
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Significant works
The Surrender of Breda, Rokeby Venus, Portrait of Innocent X, Las Meninas, Las Hilanderas
Information about the work
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Year:
1619
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Execution technique:
Oil on canvas
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Location:
Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain
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Theme:
religious painting, biblical scene, adoration of the Three Kings
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The work combines realism with mysticism, showing the important moment of Christ’s birth and the homage paid by the world’s rulers, emphasizing the power and divinity of the Infant.
The key to interpreting the work
The analysis of the painting should consider the Baroque chiaroscuro technique, the symbolism of the individual figures, and the significance of the work as an important sacred motif in Spanish art.See other works by this artist
The Virgin appearing to St Ildephonsus and giving him a robe
- Artist: Diego Velázquez
- Year: 1620
