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Adoration of the Magi

Cornelis de Baellieur

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Basic information
ID
Ж-786
Author
Cornelis de Baellieur
Name
Adoration of the Magi
Date of creation
17th c.
Country
Flanders
Technique
oil painting
Material
wood oil
Dimensions (height x width, cm)
57 x 49
Additionally
Type
painting
Genre
religious
Provenance
Collection of Leon Pininski
Exposition
Potocki Palace
Information about author
Author
Cornelis de Baellieur
Artist's lifetime
1607–1671
Country
Flanders
Biography
Cornelis de Baellieur was born in Antwerp in 1607 into the family of Louis de Baellieur, an art dealer and glassmaker. He began his studies in the workshop of the Antwerp artist Pieter Lisaert, whose late Mannerist style can be traced in some of the master's paintings. However, in his works, de Baellieur mostly imitated the style of Frans Francken II, who was probably also his teacher. The painter was registered in the Antwerp Guild of Saint Luke from 1617 to 1618 and from 1625 to 1626. Cornelis de Baellieur specialised in depicting interiors with picture galleries and multi-figure compositions on biblical and mythological themes. His works were trendy, especially in Spain, where art dealers distributed them.
Object description
The work is a vivid example of Cornelis de Baellieur's painting style. The composition was most likely influenced by examples of Dutch engravings from the 16th century, particularly "The Adoration of the Magi" by Hendrick Goltzius. The picture represents three kings, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, who brought gifts to Jesus Christ. The Holy Family stands in front of them. The Virgin Mary reverently looks at the Child, and Joseph carefully takes his hand. The Holy Family is depicted in a dilapidated ancient temple, which most likely represents the victory of Christianity over paganism. The descent of the Holy Spirit, symbolised by two white doves and a bright golden glow, can be seen above the main scene. Gaspar is kneeling in front of the Holy Family, worshipping Christ. His hand is resting on a red pillow. Behind him, in the crowd, one can see Melchior, to whom a young page hands a casket with frankincense. Balthazar, surrounded by his servants, stands on the left. He is depicted as dark-skinned due to the iconographic tradition in Dutch painting. The work's iconography corresponds to the Middle Ages doctrine, according to which each king represents one of the continents known at that time. As a result, Gaspar symbolises Asia, Balthazar – Europe, and Melchior – Africa. The artist depicted the three kings in the appropriate clothes.
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery

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