The Adoration of the Magi - the central compartment of an altarpiece

Pieter Coecke van Aelst was the first Antwerp artist to establish a large studio with numerous assistants in order to increase production of paintings. In doing so he preceded the artistic enterprises of Frans Floris and Rubens. In his Antwerp studio large quantities of altarpieces were produced, on standardized shaped panels, of which the present lot is an example. The theme of the Adoration of the Magi was among the favourite themes. Many of the versions executed in Coecke's studio are recorded by G. Marlier, Pieter Coecke d'Alost, 1966, pp.117-124. He lists 12 variations of compositions of the Adoration of the Magi positioning the Madonna in the middle.