1445 The Adoration of the Magi

Attributed to Fra Filippo Lippi (Italian Renaissance painter, c 1406–1469) also called Lippo Lippi, Adoration of the Magi c 1445

In Eastern Christianity, especially the Syriac churches, the Magi often number 12. Their identification as kings in later Christian writings is probably linked to Isaiah 60:1–6, which refers to "kings [coming] to the brightness of your dawn" bearing "gold & frankincense." Further identification of the Magi with kings may be due to Psalm 72:11, "May all kings fall down before him."

1526 The Adoration of the Magi

Quinten Metsys (Netherlandish painter, 1466-1530) The Adoration of the Magi, 1526

 

1517 The Adoration of the Magi

Correggio (Antonio Allegri) (Italian painter, c 1489-1534) Adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi-1517

The luxurious gifts btought to give the newborn Jesus mighy indicate that these visitors from the East “are people of great wealth & power, that’s kind of obvious based on the things they bring,” says Dr. Kristin Swenson, an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. “They are called Magi in the Greek, which was a term that referred to a kind of subclass of Persian priests." 

The biblical Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, the Three Kings, & the Three Magi, were distinguished foreigners in the Gospel of Matthew. They are said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, & myrrh. They are figures in traditional accounts of the nativity celebrations of Christmas & are an important part of Christian tradition.

1440 The Adoration of the Magi

Attributed to Fra Angelico (Italian painter, 1387-1455) Adoration of the Magi 1440