3-039-920 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Initial E: The Adoration of the Magi, about 1475-1500. Additional Info:In this illumination, the three kings at right, resplendently dressed and holding precious objects, approach the Virgin and Child at left, with Joseph standing behind. Among the kings is the magus Balthazar, depicted as a Black African king. This representation of Balthazar is not uncommon and appears in many other recreations of the Adoration across late medieval and Renaissance European art. The portrayal of Balthazar as a Black African man can contribute to a greater understanding of the history of and attitudes toward Black peoples in the medieval West. Long before the Middle Ages, relations between Europe and Africa had been built upon various trade routes and excursions. In this light, Balthazar represents the presence of Black figures in the Middle Ages, which is often underrepresented. During the period when these leaves were created, the enslavement of non-Christian Black Africans at the hands of Europeans had increased drastically. From this perspective, representations of Balthazar as a Black African could possibly demonstrate the efforts made by medieval European Christians to spread their religion further into the African continent.