This painting shows the visit of the Magi to Baby Jesus, a story from the Gospel.
The Gospel is the book of the Bible that describes the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
On the left, the Virgin Mary holds Baby Jesus.
The light illuminates the head of the baby.
This light illuminates the entire scene in the night.
Behind them is Saint Joseph, looking at the kings.
Jesus plays with the gift from King Gaspar, who kneels in front of him.
Melchior wears a large red robe, and Balthazar wears a blue cloak and a long scarf called a turban, wrapped around his head.
The Magi wear very bright and luxurious clothes with precious stone decorations.
Rubens paints many figures, and all of them look towards Baby Jesus.
Rubens painted this artwork at 2 different times.
The first was in 1609 when the Flemish city of Antwerp commissioned this painting to decorate the Council Chamber of the City Hall.
In this chamber, the provinces of Belgium and Holland signed a truce in their war against Spain.
In other words, they agreed to stop fighting for a while.
The gifts of the Magi to Baby Jesus symbolise the desire for economic improvement that the city had during the time of peace.
For this reason, the painting adorned the City Hall during that period.
The second moment was 20 years later.
Rubens added the top part with angels and the right side with the companions of the Magi, including horses and camels.
Also, Rubens painted himself as a mature man with a beard, riding a horse and adorned with luxury to show his nobility.
