3-035-487 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Adoration of the Magi, about 1520. In this altarpiece, whose top was originally curved, the kings kneel at Christ's feet and their entourage gathers around, symbolizing the three continents - Asia, Europe, and Africa - to which Christianity would soon spread. The Adoration of the Magi story allowed artists to depict the kings' wondrous gifts and exotic splendor, making it a favorite subject for altarpieces in the 1400s and 1500s.