2-734-505 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Magus from an Adoration Group, c. 1460-1475. This sculpture represents one of the three Magi or kings who witnessed the birth of Jesus. The Magi are identified as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar and are typically shown in art bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Joseph is often present in these scenes as are shepherds.The single figure shown here was originally part of a sculptural group with many figures. He is shown holding an ornate receptacle with lid. Other figures from the group are not known to have survived, and which Magus the sculpture was intended to represent cannot be clearly established.