2021The Adoration of the Magi from Zlate Moravce - First Day Cover

This painting in the Prague collection depicts a popular theme of the Epiphany – the Adoration of the Magi (Matthew 2: 1-12). From a functional viewpoint it was intended for the Lent wing of the (closed) altar. Against a dark country background with a stable, donkey and bull we can see the Virgin Mary sitting down, holding Jesus, with three Magi distinguishable by age. The oldest of them, who is wearing no crown, is kneeling and kissing the hand of Jesus. The two younger ones are speaking to each other and wear crowns highlighted by yellow halos. The motif of the adoration is extended by the Annunciation to the Shepherds – two shepherds are depicted on a hill, with their sheep in the background, and an angel is addressing them through the hymn, gloria in excelsis deo et in terra p[ax hominibus bonae voluntatis] (Glory to God in the highest, and on earth p[eace and good will toward men]), the text visible as an inscription.