What is Epiphany? 5 things every believer should know
2. The traditional scene of the wise men worshiping the infant Jesus quickly grew to an iconic image in Christian art
Perhaps one of the most familiar images used during the Christmas season is that of the wise men gathered at the manger in Bethlehem.
The second century Adoration of the Magi fresco in the Priscilla Catacomb in Rome is the earliest known depiction of the scene, while Gentile da Fabriano is known for one of the more famous renderings, which was completed for the Church of Santa Trinità, in Florence in 1423.
Fabriano’s work portrays the kings dressed in fine linens and makes reference to camels and other exotic animals commonly featured in modern-day Nativity scenes.
