Anbetung der Heiligen Drei Könige

Rueland Frueauf the Elder painted this Adoration of the Magi around 1490 for an Austrian altarpiece cycle depicting the infancy of Christ. The Epiphany scene, showing the three kings offering gifts to the Christ Child, was a favorite subject that allowed painters to display rich costumes and exotic settings. Frueauf's treatment reflects the Austrian tradition of combining devotional warmth with narrative detail. This work belongs to the High Renaissance, when the innovations of the preceding century were synthesized into works of monumental clarity and ideal beauty.

Oil on panel with rich coloring in the costumes of the three kings. Frueauf's solid figure drawing and careful attention to fabrics and gifts demonstrate his narrative skill.