Wing of an Altarpiece with Adoration of the Magi, on the reverse is Presentation in the Temple

Pieter Aertsen (1509 - 1575). Left panel of a triptych depicting the adoration of the Magi; on the reverse the presentation in the temple, c. 1560. Centre panel of a triptych depicting the adoration of the Magi, c. 1560 Although these two panels are not of equal length, they once formed part of the same work. The inside of this triptych portrays the adoration of the Magi, but in a highly unusual composition: each section of the triptych features one of the kings. The narrow panel, which shows the black king, was acquired by the museum in 1900 as a donation. The centre panel did not come into the possession of the Rijksmuseum until after the war. The right-hand panel, with the youngest king, has never been recovered. (side panel) From a church in Delft. Until 1860 in the City Hall of Delft. Bequest of Jonkheer J.P.Six (Amsterdam), 1900, on loan from 1885. (centre) Deutzenhofje, Amsterdam. On loan, from the P. & N. de Boer Stichting, Amsterdam, 1960.