Adoration by the Magi is a painting from 1624 by artist Peter Paul Rubens. The painting shows a lively procession entering a ruined antique building. On the right, Mary is depicted with the newborn Jesus. She shows her child to the three kings Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, who enter with gifts. The kings' entourage consists of servants, soldiers, horses and camels. Mary and Jesus are not central to the painting, but still attract attention because the kings and their entourage turn towards them. Gaspar kneels and offers incense. Melchior, in a red dressing gown, pours gold and the Moorish king Baltazar, adorned with a turban, pours myrrh. Together, they symbolise all the nations and lineages informed of Jesus' birth. With their gifts, they honour him as God, king and man. The ruin refers to King David's palace. According to the Bible, the Messiah was born from his lineage. The ox symbolises the kings' faith. On the top right is a spider in its web. This is an allusion to the evil that Jesus the saviour will overcome.
