Adoration of the Magi
Jan van Scorel·c. 1519
Historical Context
Jan van Scorel's Adoration of the Magi from around 1519 is an early work by the Utrecht painter who was among the first Netherlandish artists to study in Italy and bring Italian Renaissance ideals back to the Netherlands. Van Scorel traveled to Rome in 1522 and was appointed curator of the Vatican's ancient sculpture collection by Pope Adrian VI, a fellow Dutchman. This pre-Italian work already shows his ambition to synthesize Northern and Southern painting traditions.
Technical Analysis
Van Scorel's oil-on-panel technique demonstrates the transition from late Gothic Netherlandish style toward a more Italianate approach. The rich coloring and detailed landscape setting show Northern precision, while the figure types already suggest the monumental ambitions he would develop in Italy.
Provenance
Probably a member of the Khuen von Belasy family [based on the coats of arms formerly on the picture]. Von Ferstel collection, Vienna, until 1920 [according to Friedländer 1923, p. 606]. Camillo Castiglioni, Vienna, from 1920; sold, Frederick Muller, Amsterdam, November 17–20, 1925, no. 47. Dr. Tietje, Amsterdam, by 1929 [lent by him to 1929 exhibition]. Paul Cassirer and Co., Amsterdam; sold to the Art Institute, 1935.
