'Adoration of the Magi'
'Adoration of the Magi'
by Unknown artist
lithograph, published 1878
13 3/4 in. x 20 1/2 in. (350 mm x 520 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D43055
Sittersback to top
- Arthur, Prince of Wales (1486-1502), Eldest son of Henry VII. Sitter associated with 6 portraits. Identify
- King Henry VII (1457-1509), Reigned 1485-1509. Sitter associated with 66 portraits. Identify
- John Morton (circa 1420-1500), Administrator and Archbishop of Canterbury. Sitter associated with 4 portraits. Identify
This portraitback to top
The print is based on the painting of the adoration of the three kings on the chancel screen of Plymtree Church, Devon. It includes figures formerly thought to be John Morton, Arthur, Prince of Wales and King Henry VII.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1878back to top
Current affairs
The University of London becomes the first English university to admit women to examination and degree, although women had been allowed to attend classes at the University since 1830.The former British Prime Minister Lord John Russell dies at Pembroke Lodge, in Surrey.
Art and science
Libel trial between critic John Ruskin and artist Whistler, provoked after Ruskin's review of Nocturne in Black and Gold: The Falling Rocket accused Whistler of 'flinging a pot of paint in the public's face'. Whistler sued Ruskin, and although Ruskin was found guilty, he only had to pay one farthing in damages; the case bankrupted Whistler.Frederic Leighton, the renowned painter and sculptor is elected President of the Royal Academy.
International
The Treaty of Berlin is signed following the end of the Turkish-Russo war (1877-8). In a major shake-up of the Balkans, Bulgaria became autonomous, and Serbia, Montenegro, and Romania gained independence and territory, and Bosnia-Herzegovina was assigned to Austria for administration. The British delegation, including Lord Russell and Disraeli, score diplomatic success in limiting Russian influence in the Balkans, continuing to prop up Turkey.Comments back to top
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Frederick Hepburn
26 May 2018, 11:09
This lithograph was published in T. Mozley, 'Henry VII, Prince Arthur and Cardinal Morton, From a Group representing the Adoration of the Three Kings on the Chancel Screen of Plymtree Church in the County of Devon' (London, 1878). The Revd Thomas Mozley, sometime rector of Plymtree, proposed that the three kings were represented here in the guise of Cardinal Morton, Prince Arthur and Henry VII. These identifications must surely be regarded as fanciful, and were effectively disposed of by W. G. Constable in 'Some more Devonshire Rood Screen Paintings', The Connoisseur, 81 (May-August 1928), pp. 6-7. The screen with its paintings, dating from the early 16th century, is still there.