Adoration of the Three Kings
- Subject
- Late Gothic retable depicting scenes from the lives of Mary and Jesus
- Author, school, workshop
- Wit Stwosz (ca. 1448-1533)
- Contributor
- -
- Style
- Late Gothic
- Date
- 1477-1489
- Type
- Altarpiece in the form of a pentaptych
- Material and technique
- Wood/carving, gilding, polychrome
- Size
- 2,5 × 2,3 m
- Signatures and inscriptions
- -
- Identity number
- -
- Department
- -
- Links/analogies
- -
- Owner
- Saint Mary's Basilica in Krakow
- Copyright
- Saint Mary's Basilica in Krakow
- Location
- Saint Mary's altar (by Wit Stwosz) in the presbytery
- Description
- The scene of the Entombment of the Three Kings (Epiphany) is a symbolic tribute paid to the born God by representatives of all peoples of the earth. In keeping with tradition, Stwosz depicted the biblical wise men as rulers in all the splendour of their rich robes. Particularly impressive is the slender Negro, who, with an elegant, courtly gesture, removes his headgear in front of the little Jesus. At his feet stretches a painted meadow. Significant portions of some of the quarters have been elaborately painted. Stwosz's participation in the execution of these compositions cannot be ruled out.
