The Adoration of the Magi One piece of art work,

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The Adoration of the Magi One piece of art work, that I found to be beautiful was Bernard Van Orley's painting entitled, The Adoration of the Magi, from around the time of 1515. It contains a charming portrayal of Mary holding the baby Jesus, surrounded by the wise men and a crowd of people. The painting has a very peaceful setting, which adds to the wonderful feeling that portrayed though this it. This work of art immediately struck me as being both a magnificent and appealing painting.

Many people are familiar with the story of the Nativity scene where the Magi were led to Christ by the guiding angel. In Orley's painting, The Adoration of the Magi the nativity scene is the setting that is being presented to us. Mary sits with the baby Jesus naked on her lap. There is a group of people including the Magi, gathered around her and Christ, but they do not appear to me paying attention to her.

The three Magi are usually known as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar (Mannerings 44). Although the group of people and the Magi are facing the same direction as Mary, they are not interested her, they are admiring Jesus. Mary is simply the throne of the divine son. She is not participating in any interaction with the crowd or the kings; she is just looking down at her child. The relationship between the Magi and the blessed Child seems to be incredibly significant. It consists of genuine expressions of tenderness and exchanged looks. The three kings are facing the baby Jesus, adoring him. Magus presents him with a gift, kneels before him, and is kissing his feet. The kneeling action that is shown is thought of as an expression of piety and adoration. As Magus kisses his...