Sebastiano Conca, 1676/80 Gaeta – 1764 Neapel,... Lot n° 265

THE ADORATION OF THE HOLY THREE KINGS Oil on canvas. Doubled. 74 x 100 cm. In gilded frame. The depiction of the New Testament scene set in effective light. The composition of the picture structure emphasizes a diagonal from the upper right to the lower left, through which Mary with the Child, standing on two steps higher, becomes the real focus of the picture, additionally illuminated by a ray of light from the center of the sky and by three putti heads hovering above her. The diagonal continues to develop down to the left, past the bearded king kneeling on the steps with fur collar and golden silk robe, who has placed his turban with crown and a golden lidded vessel on the first step, and the further king in the background with golden jagged crown and a golden-silver gift, which he holds out to the boy Jesus. Mary in red dress with blue cloak holds the naked infant Jesus on a white sheet with both arms, and presents the child to the kings. The infant Jesus has raised his right hand in the gesture of blessing and looks down on one of the kings. On the right side of the picture, Joseph can be seen with a stick in his hands, who is attentively following the events. In the left part of the picture there are other narrative elements, such as a boy nobly dressed in a back view with a slit doublet, pointing with an outstretched hand and index finger to the kings and Mary, and the king standing in front of him with dignity in a splendid gold and white robe with a long red cloak, wearing a turban with a white feather on his head and holding another gift in his right hand; his gaze is directed entirely to the baby Jesus and Mary. In the background on the left the retinue of the Magi, with camels, servants and a fanfare player. Highly qualitative rendering of the figures and the lighting effect. Partly retouched. (1291661) (18) Sebastiano Conca, 1676/80 Gaeta - 1764 Naples, attributed THE ADORATION OF THE THREE MAGIOil on canvas. Relined. 74 x 100 cm.