Aanbidding der koningen 1655 - 1700

Jan van Somer created this engraving, titled Aanbidding der koningen, which translates to the Adoration of the Kings. The Adoration of the Magi is a common subject in Christian art, depicting the three wise men, or kings, visiting the infant Jesus. This scene symbolizes the recognition of Jesus's divinity by the Gentile world. The politics of that world were very much in play in the 17th century when van Somer was working. Here, race and class come into play, evident in the depiction of one of the Magi as Black, and the others with different aristocratic features. Consider how van Somer may have been trying to represent a more inclusive vision, or if these depictions simply reflected the prevailing views of the time. The Black king, adorned in regal attire, suggests a complex relationship between power, race, and religion. In essence, van Somer's engraving invites us to reflect on how our understanding of identity and representation has evolved, challenging us to consider the varied social and personal dimensions embedded within this religious scene.