Adoration of the Magi and Adoration of the Shepherds

The Adoration of the Magi and The Adoration of the Shepherds are part of the Nativity of Jesus in art. The narrative includes, according to the Gospel of St. Mathew, the arrival of three kings from far-away regions of the-then known world during the rule of Tiberius Caesar. According to Christian tradition, these kings, followed a star that led them to the Holy Child, thus reinforcing that from his birth, Jesus was recognized as a kingly figure. The Adoration of the Shepherds, mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, demonstrates, on the other hand, Christ's humanity as he also is made known to those humble and low by the angels that urge the shepherds to come and venerate the Holy Child born in a stable. From the fifteenth century onwards, these two narratives were especially popular in Christian art and depicted as pendants. The message that these scenes revealed was clear--the Holy Child was both king and man.
.