This drawing is formatted as a recto page in an illuminated manuscript. The central image depicting the Adoration of the Magi is based on an early 16th century panel painting by the Master of the Monogram AH.
I depicted the Magi according to their description by the Venerable Bede: Melchior is elderly, with long hair and a white beard; Caspar is young, beardless and ruddy; and Balthazar is middle-aged, dark-skinned and bearded. The Magi thus represent all of humanity coming to adore the Holy Infant, as they comprise the three ages of man, the descendants of the three sons of Noah, and the three continents known to medieval Christians. A small scene of the Circumcision of Christ appears in the background.
The ornament in the border includes sea shells and floral patterns based on millefleur tapestries. Vines weave through the outer border, outlining a series of roundels and quatrefoils. Two roundels show Old Testament prefigurements from the Speculum Humane Salvationis: three heroes bringing water to David from the Well of Bethlehem and the Queen of Sheba before Solomon’s Throne. In the bas-de-page is a world map.
Medium: Drawing, color ink on calfskin vellum
Dimensions: 7 1/2" × 11"
Year: 2012
The original drawing was made on private commission.
An open-edition giclée print of this drawing is available for $77. You may use the button below to pay via PayPal, debit card or credit card. Be sure to confirm the shipping address.
The original drawing included coats of arms and other details specific to the patron; the roundels of Old Testament prefigurements and the spangled quatrefoils I drew separately and edited into the print (shown above) in their places.
See this page for additional ordering instructions and general information. If you want to pay via a check or money order, please e-mail me at danielmitsuiartist at gmail dot com.
