17th century panel `` Adoration of the Magi ''

Charming carved wooden panel in polychromed and gilded relief from the 17th century, illustrating the Adoration of the Magi during which Gaspard, Balthazar and Melchior visit the newborn baby Jesus and offer him myrrh, gold and incense.
Under an architecture evoking the stable of the Nativity, Joseph in a thoughtful attitude attends the scene while Mary presents her child standing with arms outstretched towards the kings.
In the background, we can see the three horses of the sovereigns and the star that guided them from the East to Bethlehem.
According to tradition, the three wise men represent the three ages of life.
It is the king or the oldest mage who is represented kneeling in front of the child, forming with him a symbolic couple, the articulation of the past and the future. He humbly abandons his crown at the feet of the Child.
The three men will then refer to the three parts of the world then known: Europe, Asia and Africa.
The gifts they offer also bear symbolism: gold is a tribute to the sovereignty of Christ, incense is a tribute to his divinity, while myrrh (used for embalming) announces his death.
Through this adoration of the Magi, the sculptor offers us a beautiful space of gentleness.

Dimensions with frame
H. 86 cm x L. 67 cm
Dimensions without frame
H. 72 cm x L. 54 cm

17th century French school
Modern oak frame
Panel reinforced with wooden keys on the back