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About the Painting

Gossaert painted 'The Adoration of the Kings' between about 1510 and 1515 as an altarpiece for the abbey of St Adrian at Geraardsbergen, in what is now Belgium. He painted the picture on a large oak panel using oil paints; he mixed and layered his pigments in unusual and complex ways, creating rich and intense colour and dazzling effects of light. The details are painted with incredible skill. Gossaert was considered one of the best artists of his time.

The painting shows the Christian story of the birth of Jesus (the Nativity), told in the Bible. Through his composition with its highly controlled use of perspective and exaggerated space, Gossaert creates a sense of the whole world coming to view this scene while focusing the viewer on the tiny baby in the middle. He shows the Three Kings coming to see Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, with their companions following in the distance. The star they followed shines above in a sky filled with angels. Shepherds have also come to see Jesus and his mother Mary. However, this is a Nativity scene with a difference. Gossaert locates the scene in the middle of an overgrown, ruined palace, symbolising a break with the old, decayed world, and emphasising the transformation underway.

Sensing the Unseen:

Step into Gossaert's 'Adoration'
Mobile Edition

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Jan Gossaert's 'The Adoration of the Kings' in this interactive experience featuring soundscapes, spoken word and hi-resolution imagery.

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Explore the Painting

Explore the painting close up to reveal its intricate detail and wonder at Gossaert's artistry and mastery of technique.

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The Sonified Painting

In this experience, you will explore six scenes from the painting brought to life with interactive sound.

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Balthasar: Your Guide

As you explore each scene of the painting, Balthasar's voice will illuminate its timeless themes of rupture, transformation and renewal. Balthasar is one of the Three Kings who travelled to Bethlehem to visit the newborn Jesus. He is portrayed as a Black king which may reflect the growing number of African people in Europe in the 1500s, most of whom were enslaved, as well as the resurgence of an early Christian tradition of portraying one of the kings as African.

Spoken word written and read by Theresa Lola.

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1. Rupture
The old world, long in decline, lies ruptured and broken.
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2. Transformation
A transformative moment in time captured against the ruins of the old world.
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3. Balthasar
Balthasar arrives after a long journey with his gift of myrrh.
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4. Anticipation
Shepherds, kings, animals... all the world watches and waits.
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5. Celestial
Something extraordinary and other-worldly is happening.
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6. The Star
A shining light guides people from far away to this place.
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