Explanation Auktionhaus Im Kinsky:
A wealth of figures and details, which are difficult to comprehend at first glance, reveals itself in the actually traditional pictorial theme of the Adoration of the Child. However, upon closer inspection, special details can be discovered in the decor, which testify to the almost limitless ingenuity of Hieronymus Bosch. The current composition goes back to the master's central panel of an altar triptych, now in the Museo del Prado, Madrid (inv. no. P002048).
The attention to detail and fine brushwork is especially evident in the extraordinary costumes and gifts of the three kings: the gift that the first king places at the feet of the virgin is an ornament made of gold and pearls next to his beautiful helmet. It is decorated with a scene of the sacrifice of Isaac, anticipating Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The upper part of the metal mantle worn by the second king kneeling behind him is decorated with one of the motifs associated with the Adoration of the Magi in the Biblia pauperum: the Queen of Sheba presenting her gifts to Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-13). The Antichrist at the entrance to the stable, which resembles a Brabant hut, wears a cloak that barely covers his body,