#IBMakingArt

Expectation vs. Reality

Artist:  Master of James IV of Scotland (probably Gerard Horenbout)

Title:  Adoration of the Magi

Date:  1515-1525 Approx.

Medium:  Tempera, ink, and shell gold on parchment

Size:  6 1/2 x 4 5/8in. (16.5 x 11.7cm)

          This pace was originally created in the Netherlands, at some point between 1515 and 1525.  At this point in history, all of Europe was infatuated with Christianity, which led much of the art from Europe to depict aspects of Christianity, usually the birth of Jesus.  This piece was created by Netherlands native Gerard Horenbout, who had several manuscripts commissioned in the Northern European courts.  

          The subject of this piece is pretty basic, the birth of Jesus.  Sure the first twenty times an artist recreated the birth of Jesus it was pretty cool.  But this was probably the hundredth recreation, and the fiftieth painting called Adoration of the Magi.  However, each aspect of the work will be analysed.  In the forefront of the image is a superimposed image of Virgin Mary and BABY JESUS at the stable where he was born.  Approaching Jesus are the three kings and a few other bystanders.  At the bottom of the background are the three magi pleading with King Herod.  In the top left corner of the background there are many men riding on horseback through the town to represent the travels of the Magi.  At first glance the piece is a basic illustration of the story of the birth of Jesus, which unfortunately for the painter, has been told more times than the Spider-Man origin story.

          Upon further examination, there are some stylistic aspects that make the piece slightly more interesting.  Firstly, the piece was created in miniature, meaning it was created on vellum or card, which makes the detail of the painting more impressive.  Creating images in miniature was an esteemed art form of that time period.  Secondly, the framing of the piece is done in a semi-original way.   The artist superimposed the main piece of the painting onto the background of the piece to create a background and foreground.  The use of color is bright, and is a staple of Horenbout's style.

          The piece primarily works to show a major part of the story of Christianity.  At the time Christianity was a major part of European life, and there was a major rift between the Protestants and Catholics in Europe.  The author could have used this basic image of the birth of Jesus to show that although different groups may have different views on Christianity, they are all worshiping the same person/ideals.

          The difference between the foreground and background in the image may have external purposes.  The foreground shows Jesus, and his followers worshiping him, whereas the background shows travels and the magi talking to the king.  The creator might have done this to highlight what is actually important in Christianity.  The creator shows that no matter what is happening politically or socially in the background of your life, the most important aspect of your life should be the worship of the lord, no matter what branch of Christianity you are.  

          This work is one of the many depictions of the birth of Jesus, which is a story that has become less and less interesting  with every retelling.  This piece may have had an impact on Christians at the time but to me there is no impact.  As someone who does not follow the faith, this piece is more useful historically than it is religiously.  To me, it would be more interesting to watch every Harry Potter movie than to hear about the birth of Jesus again.  Especially at this time of the year, where churches, store, and obnoxious neighbors are putting different variations of this image everywhere.

          The title of the piece is Adoration of the Magi, which means exactly how it sounds.  It say that the image is a picture of the Magi working to worship the baby Jesus.  Not a very original title considering if you Google "Adoration of the Magi" you have to scroll through about fifty other painting that are slightly different than this one.  (The badass adventures of Baby Jesus, that's a title).

          Overall, at the time the creation of this piece was a new way to tell the story of the birth of Christ, it used spatial awareness to present new ideas on Christianity.  But as  more people try to tell the already over told, and not particularly interesting, story of Baby Jesus, the less interesting or prominent this piece becomes.  An interesting piece of history, a basic depiction of an overrated religion.  

The views and opinions expressed above are those of Andrew Kaplan only, and in no way represent the views, positions, or opinions- expressed or implied- or my religion or anyone else.  If anything above offended you then oops.