James Baquet

    A key moment in the Christmas story is the visitation of what are sometimes called “The Three Kings,” otherwise known as “The Three Wise Men” or “The Magi.”

    In fact, the Bible account does not say how many they were, and never calls them kings. They came well after the baby Jesus was born, so in most churches their visit is celebrated Jan. 6, and astronomically significant 12 days after Christmas.

    In the early 17th century, the Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) gave it the traditional treatment. There are three visitors, and they are dressed as Eastern potentates. The image, however, is referred to as the “Adoration of the Magi.”

    In the lower left, we see the Holy Family — Jesus’s stepfather Joseph, his mother Mary, and the newborn himself, playing with some of the gold brought as a gift. Presumably, the myrrh and frankincense are in some of the caskets being carried by slaves. The wise man traditionally designated “King Gaspar” holds the goblet full of gold; above him stands “King Balthazar” in blue, and behind him “King Melchior” in red. Around them are their entourage, involving men, camels, horses, and cargo.

    But there’s more significance to this painting than meets the eye. Before Rubens painted it, Spain and the Dutch Republic had been at war. His city of Antwerp had been under blockade, which had put a serious damper on the city’s economy. A peace conference had been arranged, and the town council had commissioned Rubens to do a painting for the chamber in which the meeting was to be held.

    This painting — appropriately, showing foreign visitors, with wealth — was the result.

    It was given to the Spanish ambassador, and through a series of events was sent to Spain, where it hangs today in Madrid’s Prado Museum.

    Rubens later visited Spain and reworked the entire painting. He extended its size, adding in angels at the top — and a portrait of himself on horseback on the right hand side.

    Vocabulary:

    Which word above means:

    1. related to the study of the stars

    2. boxes, chests, etc.

    3. stopping of transport in and out

    4. fancy cup or bowl for drinking from

    5. smells good when burned

    6. giving of high honor, worship

    7. princes, kings, etc.

    8. a recently-born baby

    9. freight, things carried or shipped

    10. one’s mother’s husband, but not one’s dad