Embriachi workshop - Adoration of the Magi’ (Venice, ca 1400)

The exceptional skills and artistic creativity from the sculptors of these workshops (founded by Baldassare degli Embriachi, Firenze & Venice, late 14th-early 15th century) quickly evolved in a success story and their works of art (mostly caskets for weddings or religious purposes but also famous altarpieces etc) were 'must haves' for the wealthy merchants and aristocrats all over Europe and the Mediterranean region. These four bone 'Adoration of the Magi' panels were also part of such a luxurious casket. Delicately carved, almost fluid lines and cleverly compensating the lack of perspective by a composition with upper scene (trees, animals, architectural fragments), a middle scene (rocks, animals, attendants & grooms) and the main characters in front. The space above the kneeling Magus is skillfully filled in with a view on the grooms and the rocky scenery of this panel (n°3) opens as a window, in counterpoint to a similar scenery in panel n° 2. The glimpse that we catch of the attendants (chatting to each other and completely unaware of the importance of the moment) is an essential part that contributes to the liveliness of the scene and that will enhance the empathy of the viewer. Let's not forget the essential part: the three Magi, two of them waiting with their precious gifts in their hands while the third is knelling and presenting his gift The face of the Child Jesus has been sculpted with great respect for detail. And check the trees as mushrooms, charming horses and a delightful camel that has the looks of an elegant giraffe. A beauty!
In a 19th century velvet frame with copper.

Dim.: 24 x 23 cm (the frame)
Dim.: 15,5 x 14,5 cm (the four panels together)
Condition: (UV-checked)
- An old hairline crack above the kneeled figure, on the third panel from the left.
- Minor superficial wear, including a few small superficial chips to the extremities.
- Otherwise in good condition.

A little box with very similar trees and animals can be seen at the Kunstkammer of ‘Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien’ (Vienna). It has been attributed to Baldassare degli Embriachi himself (active 1390 - 1409) and bears the inventory number ‘Kunstkammer, 112’.