Large lithograph
dated 1600
"Adoration of the Magi" after Rubens,
edited by N. Bonnart. Engraver: P. le Roy,
Bulino engraving technique
(France, 17th c.)
Magos Foundation Collection
RUBENS DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM THE BLOODTHIRSTY SULTAN AHMAD OF TUNISIA TO REPRESENT BALTHAZAR, KING OF ARABIA
Like the Flemish painter Vermeyen, the Dutchman Rubens saw in Sultan Ahmad of Tunisia the incarnation of Balthazar, King of Arabia. Fifteen different versions of Rubens’ Adoration of the Magi exist.