Adoration of the Kings c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have Friedrich Eduard Eichens' "Adoration of the Kings," a print held here at the Harvard Art Museums. What leaps out at you? Editor: There's such an intricate layering of images, so many figures packed into one space. It reminds me of a medieval tapestry, but with a kind of reserved, classical feel. Curator: You’re right, the image, and its border, are overflowing with symbolism. Look at the angels, for instance. Editor: Yes, hovering above, but also the border decorations, cherubs and floral motifs—echoes of divinity and earthly life all intertwined. Curator: Notice how the kings' gifts aren't merely offerings but symbols of kingship, divinity, and sacrifice. It is a cultural memory of the scene. Editor: That's such a beautiful way to read it, seeing the gifts as these potent symbols, and now I can’t help but think about the weight of history. Curator: It's as though Eichens wanted to pack as much meaning as possible into every detail. Editor: Well, it certainly makes me feel like I’ve only scratched the surface, doesn’t it?