Review

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has a strong representative selection of religious artwork related to the Christmas season, such as: Girolamo da Carpi (Italian / Ferrarese, 1501–1556), "The Adoration of the Magi," c. 1545, oil on wood panel, 20 1/4" x 13 3/8". Purchase: the Mr. and Mrs. Earl D. Wilberg Fund for European Art, 2004.1. "Girolamo da Carpi was a leading artist of the school of Ferrara in northern Italy during the second quarter of the 16th century. At this time, the classicizing style of the High Renaissance had evolved towards greater elegance and artificiality, a development known as Mannerism. The four adult figures of the Adoration are arranged like a Roman classical relief in strict frontal or profile poses, but the stylization of some of the figures, like the Magi, is typically Mannerist. The motif of the horses of the Magi seen behind the wall in the background is an unusual one, as is the nearby detail of the servant handing over the gift to the Magi with the turban." Image and quoted text: courtesy of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art