Magus from an Adoration Group
Magus from an Adoration Group, France, possibly Champagne, 15th century c. 1460-1475
star, sought to honor the king of the Jews. The Magi are identified in the Gospels as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar and are typically shown in art bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh before the Virgin and Christ child. Joseph is often present in these portrayals, as are shepherds occasionally. The single figure shown here was originally part of a multi-figure sculptural group depicting this well-established scene. He holds an ornate receptacle with lid. Other figures from the group are not known to have survived, and which Magus the sculpture was intended to represent cannot be clearly established. 
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
