Jan Gossaert (Jean Gossart), 'The Adoration of the Kings'

Signatures and inscriptions

Jan Gossaert (Jean Gossart)
NG2790
The Adoration of the Kings
Oil on oak panel, 179.8 x 163.2 cm, painted surface approximately 177.2 x 161.8 cm

Signatures

NG2790 is signed in two places: once on the collar of the black king’s black attendant, IENNIN GOSS... (fig.1); a second time on the black king’s hat, IENNI/ GOSSART: DEMABV... (fig.2: the A in GOSSART is unlike the other A; the reason is not obvious).

Inscriptions

On the black king’s hat: BALTAZAR (fig.3).
Near the hem of the scarf held by the black king: SALV[E]/ REGINA/ MIS[ERICORDIAE]/ V:IT[A DULCEDO ET SPES NOSTRA] (Hail, Queen of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope) (fig.4).
On the scroll held by the second angel from the left: Gloria:in:excelcis:deo: (Glory to God in the highest) (fig.5).
On the object at the Virgin’s feet, which is the lid of the chalice presented by the eldest king: [L]E ROII IASPAR (the king Caspar: fig.6).

Further Sections

• Introduction
• Signatures and inscriptions
• Provenance
• Exhibitions, copies and versions
• Technical notes
• Description
• Attribution
• The genesis of the composition
• Invention and imitation
• The patron
• Daniel van Boechout
• Iconography
• Date