Sketch for Adoration of the Kings 17th century

This sketch for the Adoration of the Kings, made anonymously using pen and brown wash, presents a familiar biblical scene through the lens of its time. Consider the power dynamics at play. Who gets to depict whom, and in what manner? The three kings, traditionally symbols of wealth and authority, kneel before a child in a humble setting. The sketch, with its fluid lines, captures the emotional intensity of the moment of reverence. It prompts us to reflect on how social hierarchies are negotiated and sometimes subverted through religious narratives. This piece subtly challenges us to consider the intersection of faith, power, and representation.