Altar of the Three Kings

painting by Albrecht Dürer

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June 18, 2026

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The "Altar of the Three Kings" is a painting by Albrecht Dürer, a renowned German Renaissance artist. Created around 1504, it is considered a significant work from his mature period, showcasing his engagement with Italian Renaissance styles while retaining his unique artistic vision.1

The altarpiece is composed of five separate pictures, with the central panel depicting "The Adoration of the Magi." The side panels feature "The Drummer and Piper" and "Job and His Wife." This multi-panel format is characteristic of altarpieces, which are artworks designed to decorate the space above and behind an altar in a church. Dürer's work on this altarpiece was executed with the help of pupils, reflecting the collaborative nature of art production during that era.21

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Albrecht Dürer
First journey to Italy
…classical endeavours is his painting Altar of the Three Kings (1504), which was executed with the help of pupils. Although the composition, with its five separate pictures, has an Italian character, Dürer’s intellect and imagination went beyond direct dependence on Italian art. From this maturity of style comes the bold,…
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…classical endeavours is his painting Altar of the Three Kings (1504), which was executed with the help of pupils. Although the composition, with its five separate pictures, has an Italian character, Dürer’s intellect and imagination went beyond direct dependence on Italian art. From this maturity of style comes the bold,…
Read More