THE THREE WISE MEN ALTARPIECE

ICONOGRAPHY 

The narration which is limited to the episode dealing with the Adoration of the Magi is outstanding for the force of its narrative, evident in the profusion of details on the rear bas-relief. 

The figures of the main protagonists - much larger in size than normal - are positioned to the foreground: a seated Mary holds the Holy Infant on Her lap. The Infant holds a hand out towards Melchior who prostrates himself before the Holy Saviour and caresses one of His feet. Gaspar and Balthazar stand in the middle distance while St. Joseph contemplates the scene from a discreet position to the right. 

The environmental references are outstanding: we see curious spectators peering avidly from among Classic-styled architecture, participating fully in the event unfolding before them. The figures of the pages, the mounts of the different entourages, the representation of a stable with a daring foreshortening angle, the flock with its shepherd mingling between the trees, fowls and other natural elements all acquire great protagonism. God the Father presides from the frontispiece.