Adoration of the Kings

This motif emerged around 1500 when the colonisation of America and Africa was gathering momentum. Against this background, the idea of three kings from three different continents gained traction in Europe. The depictions increasingly featured a Black king. Altarpiece, church of St. Peter and Paul, Zug, c. 1493.

Swiss National Museum

Keeping up appearances

Although fewer and fewer people in Switzerland are members of a Christian church, many still celebrate Christmas with a beautiful crib and a Christmas tree. Transparent crib, 2018, glass, moulded. Hergiswil.

Swiss National Museum

In the Church

During the Middle Ages, each of the Three Kings were thought to come from a different region and be a particular age. The oldest is kneeling at the manger. The youngest in this group is the black king. Adoration of the Kings, c. 1500, wood, polychromy. Antiquarische Gesellschaft.

Swiss National Museum

In private

Christmas cribs like this one began to be displayed in bourgeois homes in the 18th century. Here the kings are shown with towering crowns or a diadem. Crib with Herod, c. 1750, wire, wax, fabric. Nesslau.

Swiss National Museum

Fabric crowns

Neither the turban, the scarf, nor the cap clearly reveal where the kings come from. The Black king alone is a clear reference to the African continent. Martin Renteria Hecho, paper, glue-laminated.

Private Collection, Bern

Joyful travellers

This crib shows two scenes from the Nativity: the shepherds gathering around Baby Jesus and the kings on their way to Bethlehem. Zwergli crib, c. 2009, salt dough, painted. Ecuador.

Private Collection, Bern

Precious vessels

The angel spreads his golden wings beside the Three Kings as they offer the infant Jesus their gifts contained in precious vessels. Crib with angel, 20th century, non-ferrous metal. Philippines.

Private Collection, Bern

Kitsch as kitsch can

Three very different kings are travelling here by camel, elephant, and horse. It is not clear which mount belongs to which of the kings. Patience Brewster, c. 1990, epoxy resin, gold leaf, etc. Colorado, USA.

KrippenWelt, Stein am Rhein

Ubiquitous

In the 20th century, cribs became an integral part of Christmas celebrations. They almost always include the Three Kings. Adoration of the Kings, 1952, wood, polychromy. Bavaria.

Private Collection, Bern

Pretty packaging

The robes of the figure on the left show the Three Kings arriving in Bethlehem and, as crib figures, they present their attractively wrapped gifts. Jim Shore, c. 2000, epoxy resin, painted. South Carolina, USA.

KrippenWelt, Stein am Rhein

Elegant travellers

The long necks of these figures are a nod to the llama. Each king is associated with a different continent by the colour of his skin and his specific mount. Hilario Mendivil, c. 1970, wood, plaster, fabric, etc. Peru.

KrippenWelt, Stein am Rhein

A view of the exhibition.

© Swiss National Museum

A view of the exhibition.

© Swiss National Museum