L'Adoration des mages

Mathieu Le Nain's Adoration of the Magi of 1660 comes from the later phase of the brothers' activity, by which point Mathieu was working increasingly independently. The Adoration — three wise men from the East bringing gifts to the newborn Christ — was one of the most frequently painted religious subjects in European art, combining devotional narrative with the opportunity to display exotic costume and luminous effects. Mathieu brings the subject the quiet dignity characteristic of all three brothers.

The Magi approach the Holy Family in a stable setting, with the light of the Christ child unifying the composition. Mathieu uses warm, subdued tones — ochres, russets, and deep blues — rendered with the deliberate handling he shared with his brothers.