Anbetung der Könige

Ambrosius Benson painted this Adoration of the Magi around 1528, one of his several treatments of this popular devotional subject for the Bruges export market. Benson's Adoration compositions have a quality of warm dignity that distinguished his approach from both the theatrical Antwerp Mannerist versions and the more schematic Flemish productions: his three kings approach with measured processional order, their gifts presented with the solemnity appropriate to the acknowledgment of divine kingship. Working in Bruges as the dominant painter after Gerard David's death, Benson served both local Flemish patrons and the export market to Spain and Portugal that was one of his workshop's primary commercial channels. His careful technique and warm devotional character made his Adorations particularly suited to Iberian devotional taste.

The Adoration composition follows established Bruges conventions with elaborate costume details and a processional arrangement of the Magi. Benson's technique combines the smooth finish of the Bruges tradition with warmer, more saturated coloring.