Master of the Saint Bartholomew Altarpiece: The Meeting of the Three Kings (1480)

(The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, USA)

A painting by an unknown 15th century Dutch artist with the notname 'Master of the Saint Bartholomew Altarpiece'. This painting was probably a part of a larger altarpiece and shows the three wise kings (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) meeting each other before they continu their journey to Bethlehem. Three heralds blare their trumpets to proclaim the unification of humankind at the birth of Christ. in the background the three kings can be seen on mountaintops were they are waiting the Star of Bethlehem, or Christmas Star. in the left and right lower corner can Isaiah and David be seen. both are upholding banners which are inscribed with the Old Testament prophecies of the Adoration of the Magi. Painting from around 1480.