Garland with the Adoration of the Magi (16th-17th century)

Brueghel, Pieter the Younger (1564-1638)

Garland with the Adoration of the Magi
16th17th century
Oil on copper, 35 x 29 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid

The flower garland frames an oval medallion with the Adoration of the Kings. Large flowers alternate with others with small petals and carefully crafted, but with a less firm execution than that of Jan Brueghel de Velours. It was acquired by Carlos IV, according to the inventory of the Casita del Príncipe: “Two alike, in sheet: one contains a garland of flowers, and in its center, a medal that expresses the adoration of the Holy Kings; and the other a Small vase of various flowers, a scant half-vara high and a third wide; originals by Pedro Brueghel“. (Text taken from Díaz Padrón, M., El siglo de Rubens en el Museo del Prado: catálogo razonado de pintura flamenca del siglo XVII, 1995, p. 340). (MNP)