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Adoration of the Magi
Domenico Tintoretto (Domenico Robusti) (Italian (Venetian), 1560–1635)
about 1600-10
Medium/Technique
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
152.1 x 295 cm (59 7/8 x 116 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Herbert James Pratt Fund
Accession Number26.142
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsPaintings
As told in the Gospels, the three Magi, or wise men, follow a star to find the infant Jesus, and present him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The large figures in the foreground frame a landscape featuring the kings' entourage at rest after their long journey. Despite the religious subject matter, this painting was probably not originally displayed in a church but decorated a private palazzo.
Domenico, like his renowned father and teacher Jacopo Tintoretto, is known for his visible brushwork. The younger artist's paintings, however, are generally more decorative and festive.
Domenico, like his renowned father and teacher Jacopo Tintoretto, is known for his visible brushwork. The younger artist's paintings, however, are generally more decorative and festive.
ProvenanceBy 1780, possibly Domenico and Giuseppe Pallavicini, Genoa, Italy [see note 1]. 1926, anonymous collection, Genoa; 1926, sold from anonymous collection to the MFA for $60,750. (Accession Date: July 15, 1926)
NOTES:
[1] Carlo Giuseppe Ratti recorded an "Adoration of the Magi, a large painting by Tintoretto" ("L'adorazione de'Magi, quadro grande del Tintoretto") in the palace of the brothers Domenico and Giuseppe Pallavicini in his "Instruzione di quanto può vederi di più bello in Genova," 2d ed. (1780).
NOTES:
[1] Carlo Giuseppe Ratti recorded an "Adoration of the Magi, a large painting by Tintoretto" ("L'adorazione de'Magi, quadro grande del Tintoretto") in the palace of the brothers Domenico and Giuseppe Pallavicini in his "Instruzione di quanto può vederi di più bello in Genova," 2d ed. (1780).