THE ADORATION OF THE MAGI, Peter Paul Rubens - Floor 1, Room 28

The Adoration of the Magi, a masterpiece by Rubens, was painted in 1609 and 1629 (when Rubens added to the top and the right side). With its theatrical scale and dynamic energy, it’s great for a scav hunt.

SAMPLE SCAV HUNT CLUES

Elementary School

• Baby in the bottom corner

• 3 Camels in a top corner

Middle School

• Extra large painting with 2 seams

• All of the characters are on a diagonal

High School and Older

• Many of the characters look like they are in motion

• The light source is coming from the bottom corner

BONUS POINTS: Find Rubens

A FEW NOTES ABOUT THE PAINTING

Theatrical Scale - Stark contrast to “Silent Night” depictions

• One of largest paintings in the Prado, measuring 12x16

• Bustling royal procession, a feast for the eyes

• Diverse set of characters and animals

Dynamic Energy - Drawing Eye to the bottom left corner

• All characters in painting are in a diagonal from upper right corner to lower left

• Bustling scene in top right corner/middle is used as a contrast to tender scene in lower corner

• Flow of light and shadows come from lower corner (at night, only light is from baby)