The Adoration of the Magi

Maestro de la Sisla painted this Adoration of the Magi around 1500, the Epiphany scene from his altarpiece cycle. The three kings' presentation of gifts was one of the most visually splendid scenes in Christian art. The master's treatment reflects Castilian conventions for this popular subject. The tempera-on-panel medium required a carefully gessoed surface and was painted in fine, precise layers, yielding a luminous, jewel-like surface of great durability.

Oil on panel with vivid coloring in the kings' costumes and gifts. The Adoration composition follows established Castilian iconographic patterns with the decorative richness appropriate to the subject.