Adoration of the Kings

Adoration of the Kings (c. 1585), in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, is a late treatment of the Epiphany theme that Veronese painted throughout his career. The three Magi present their gifts to the Christ child in a setting of characteristic splendor, their exotic costumes and retinues creating the pageant-like atmosphere that Veronese brought to all his large-scale religious narratives. This late version shows a warmer palette and more concentrated composition than his earlier Epiphanies, reflecting the evolution of his style toward greater emotional directness. The Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection of Veronese works, among the finest anywhere, was built through centuries of Habsburg patronage and collecting that gave Vienna unrivaled access to Venetian painting.

The rich composition groups the Magi and their retinue in a grand processional arrangement. Veronese's characteristic palette of silvers, golds, and rich reds creates a scene of magnificent pageantry.