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‘The Adoration of the Magi’

Morris and Company
Founded by William Morris
(b. 1834, Walthamstow, d. 1896, London)
Designed by Edward Burne Jones 1880
‘The Adoration of the Magi’
1900-1902
Wool and Silk Textile, 4 m x 3 m approx.
AGSA

Within the tapestry, the scene tells the story of the Magi who arrive from the east, bearing gifts for the newborn Jesus Christ.
There are symbolic references throughout this piece, and also an obvious contrast between poverty and wealth portrayed between the characters in this composition.
The holy family are positioned to the left of the composition within the sturdy little shelter. They appear humble and they’re dressed in basic robes coloured red and blue with worn out leather sandals, an obvious depiction of poverty.
The Christ child is covered with a fine silk sheet. He lies upon his mother’s lap who is seated upon bales of wheat, which signifies the harvest, reaped from sowing the Gospel.
Joseph stands next to the shelter with a bundle of twigs in his...

Posted by: Tamara Moore

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