Three Kings - Artis nativity

The Three Kings set of the Artis crib consists of the Moorish king, the kneeling king and the white king. The kneeling king represents King Melchior. He is depicted as an old man with a long beard. Melchior brings the newborn gold to the manger in Bethlehem. This is supposed to symbolise the power, wisdom and beauty of Jesus in his later life. The white king represents King Balthasar. He is depicted as a middle-aged man. Balthasar brings the newborn incense, which is supposed to symbolise the offering and prayers of Jesus in his later life. The Moorish king represents King Caspar. He is depicted as a young man who brings the newborn myrrh. The bitter taste of the myrrh is supposed to illustrate the difficult times in Jesus' life. At that time only the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe were known. The figures were designed with care and attention to detail and carved from fine and high-quality sycamore wood. The painting is done according to traditional models and is therefore considered a unique, handcrafted piece of the highest quality.