School of Mechelen, ca. 1620

School of Mechelen, ca. 1620.
"Adoration of the Magi".
Alabaster with traces of gilding and original polychrome.
Measurements: 33 x 37 x 7,5 cm.

This sculptural group represents a privileged testimony of the work of the Mechelen workshops, whose international fame is justified here by a meticulous execution and an original polychromy still preserved. This material integrity allows for a reliable study of the flesh tones and the stoppings of the period. Under the theme of the Magis Adorant, the piece organizes the space in a pyramidal manner, placing the focus on the gesture of acceptance of the Child towards the offering kings. The arrangement of Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar follows the canons of western artistic tradition, translating the Gospel text into a relief of great spiritual force. The monstrance of St. Joseph in the rear of the scene completes this representation of the Epiphany, consolidated here as a piece of great relevance for the study of Flemish sculpture.