The Adoration of the Magi

When Velázquez painted this Adoration of the Magi it was his largest and most ambitious composition to date. It was probably commissioned by the Jesuits in Seville, with whom the artist’s teacher and father-in-law maintained excellent relations. Velázquez’ obvious desire to achieve a great degree of authenticity and emotional intensity reflects and corresponds with the Jesuits’ educational programme. The protagonists were clearly painted from the life: the aged king on the left is a portrait of Pacheco, and both the king in the foreground and St. Joseph are modelled on Velázquez’ own features.

These highly individual figures are arranged in a monumental composition, and their presence is enhanced by Velázquez’ choice of strong colour highlights.

The effective lighting of this nocturnal scene shows that the artist was aware of the novel ideas propagated by Caravaggio and his followers.