The Adoration of the Magi

Around 1500 a great many artists still painted in the tradition of the Flemish Primitives. Among others we see this with Colijn de Coter. He was particularly indebted to the Master of Flémalle and Rogier van der Weyden. The work of De Coter, however, lacks the deep religious poignancy of Rogier van der Weyden. His technique is also simpler, the handling of his figures more schematic, and the modeling is less detailed. His more decorative and formal treatment of the subject, such as here in The Adoration of the Magi is directed to the taste of the commissioners of the work. In his time, Colijn de Coter was a highly sought after painter, especially for his altarpieces.