The Lure of Blue and White: Chinese Porcelain in Renaissance Paintings

The Lure of Blue and White: Chinese Porcelain in Renaissance Paintings
Detail of "The Feast of the Gods," 1514 and 1529, by Giovanni Bellini and Titian. Oil on canvas. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Public Domain
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Around the year 1500, the northern Italian artist Andrea Mantegna painted a scene of the “Adoration of the Magi.” This was a deeply familiar theme to every Christian in Renaissance Europe. Upon the birth of Christ, three wise men from the East came guided by a star to worship him, bringing the precious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Working probably for a private patron, the artist places the scene in an intimate setting, portraying the figures in half-length format in a compact space. On the left, Mary and Joseph present the Christ child, who holds up a gesture of blessing; on the right, the three Magi hold up their offerings, facing the Holy Family with vivid expressions of awe, austerity, and joy.

Mantegna’s Detailed Vessels

Da Yan
Da Yan
Author
Da Yan is a doctoral student of European art history. Raised in Shanghai, he lives and works in the Northeastern United States.
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