Jan Gossaert

Jan Gossaert was a French speaking painter from a small town in Artois. Unlike many artists, he was very well known during his lifetime and was continuously employed by Phillip the Handsome and several of Phillip’s friends.

Adoration of the Kings

Jan Gossaert

1510-1515

Oil on oak

69.8 in. x 63.7 in.

This image represents the Magi paying homage to newborn Jesus. All of the elements in this image are placed to emphasize the birth of Jesus. Every character who is in this image is facing or moving towards Jesus, moving the viewer’s eye to the center of the image, Madonna with child. Every aspect of this image, including people and background are of a warm tone, excluding the dress of Mary which is blue to create a more contrasting focal point to this image. The placement of each of the people is also very interesting. The king is pictured on the left side holding something toward Mary and Jesus. He appears to be paying homage to Jesus, while maintaining his royal stature by his clothing and the man behind him holding his cape so it doesn’t touch the ground. This is an interesting image because in the passage, king Herod is not fond of the newborn king, however in the image, he appears to be paying homage to Jesus.

Jamie Farley