The Adoration of the Three Kings in the Diocesan Museum of Venice

The Epiphany remembers the arrival of the Three Kings to Bethlehem and this event is fully represented in art.

At the Diocesan Museum of Venice a beautifully preserved sculpture dating back to the thirteenth century shows the Adoration of the Three Kings.

Unfortunately, two of the Three Kings have been lost, but the surviving figures are absolutely unique in their expressiveness and elegant carving. There are also traces of colour on the drapery of the various characters. At the centre is the Madonna Enthroned with the Child who turns towards a king, who is giving his gift, while St. Joseph, is leaning on his cane, watching the scene. The author is unknown, but scholars speculate that it is the same artist, originating from Ferrara, who made the incredible relief of the central portal of St Mark.

The group probably decorated one of the portals of St Mark's Basilica in the Middle Ages and after various vicissitudes you can now be admired in the Diocesan Museum of Venice.