• M
  • Charles Murray
The Adoration of the Magi
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? Andrew Murray

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The Adoration of the Magi about 1930
  • Scottish Art
In this scene, Murray has created striking contrasts by leaving some figures white. This serves to highlight the baby Jesus, who radiates light and is surrounded by adoring figures. The depiction would be a tender one, were it not for the presence of the naked man seated at the front of the scene, who seems not to belong to the main group. The man?s starkly white and elongated body, with disproportionately long legs, is influenced by mannerist art. His pose, and the look of suffering on his face, recall images of Christ deposed from the Cross, and it is likely that his presence in the scene anticipates Jesus? fate.

Glossary Open

Mannerism

A style of art that spread from Italy to much of Europe in the 16th century, between the High Renaissance and Baroque periods. There is disagreement among historians as to its nature but it often seen as decadent, rejecting the classical ideals of the Renaissance and characterized by elongated figures.

Mannerism

Details

  • Acc. No. GMA 452
  • Medium Etching on paper
  • Size 25.50 x 16.70 cm (paper 38.80 x 24.80 cm)
  • Credit Purchased 1949

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Scottish Art