Andrea Mantegna

by Dawson W. Carr

Andrea Mantegna's Adoration of the Magi is based on one of Christianity's best loved stories: the arrival of the gift-bearing Wise Men at the baby Jesus' birthplace in Bethlehem. While the simple Bible text is usually depicted with sweeping, exotic pageantry, here the subject is rendered with an intimate, close-up focus on the central characters in the scene. In his fascinating study, author Dawson W. Carr examines Mantegna's innovative treatment of the theme in light of the main concerns of his art and the culture of his time. His generously illustrated and detailed analysis provides a clear understanding of this compelling masterpiece, which is one of the most popular and important paintings in the J. Paul Getty Museum.