In 1993 I made a quick watercolor and ink painting of the 3 wise men as a Christmas present for my family.

18x24 Watercolor and Ink

This year, my mom requested another painting as a companion piece to the older one.

Visitation of the Magi (2010) process 1

Visitation of the Magi (2010) process 2

After some research and some sketches I made a new painting in oils.

Visitation of the Magi

Here’s a summary of some of the research and thinking behind the elements of this painting.

The association with Zoroastrianism.

One of the first things that piqued my interest at the beginning was the idea that the story of the wise men may have referred to Zoroastrians. The term “wise men” in English translations of the Matthew account of the nativity of Jesus comes from Latin magus and Greek magos, both descending from the old Persian magus, the name of the religious caste Zoroaster was born into. The association therefore comes directly from the translations of the biblical text.

But the practices of Zoroastrians bear similarities to rituals and themes common in Christian practices and doctrine. Rituals of cleansing by water and fire are common to both, as is a monotheistic creator god.

Individual Magi

The Magi on the right is inspired by old photos of Brigham Young who sometimes wore his Masonic emblem around his neck. Brigham Young was a shrewd and determined man who could build an empire in the desert. A hardened mystic, he was simultaneously rooted in the mysteries of heaven and the practicalities of reality.

The central character wears white robes, similar to Zoroastrian Priests.

He carries a gift for the newborn king marked with the winged emblem of Zoroastrianism. What is in the box? Traditionally gold, frankincense and myrrh but the box is closed, and its contents are unknown. Like Schrodinger’s cat, the gift is undetermined until the chest is opened. His hat is intended to be a cushion for a crown he does not yet wear. He is the middle, the president of the three, and the balance between the hardened practicality of the Magi on the right and the jovial and mystical nature of the Magi on the left.

On the left is a figure wearing a pointed cap. This hat is inspired by Phrygian caps.

Phrygian caps signify freedom and the pursuit of liberty, but they are also a visual shorthand for ‘easterners’ and as such, the 3 wise men have sometimes been depicted wearing Phrygian caps in various works of art. However, the association runs deeper. Phrygian style caps are connected to the cult of Mithras, a Zoroastrian divinity of covenant and oath.

The hat also bears resemblance to the red hat of Santa Claus, a fitting connection to a bearer of gifts.

This Magi is jovial and easily distracted by philosophy and heavenly matters.

The Magi on the left and right carry oil lamps. By association with the parable of the ten virgins, the two Magi represent preparedness, diligence, and faithfulness. They waited for the bridegroom, and their oil did not run out. Furthermore, in a Zoroastrian context, Fire is revered and is considered a medium through which spiritual insight and wisdom is gained.

The Constellations and Star

Three constellations are depicted: Canis Major, Orion, and Lepus.

Orion

For the Babylonians, Orion was “The Heavenly Shepherd.” For the Egyptians, Orion was associated with Osiris, the god of death and resurrection.

Canis Major

Canis Major contains Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. The Egyptians associated Sirius with Isis, the wife of Osiris. Osiris, Isis, and their son Horus formed a sort of divine trinity. Images of Isis nursing Horus prefigure depictions of Mary and Jesus. Different aspects of Osiris and Horus also bear resemblance to aspects of Jesus’ role as Savior, and the suffering god who is killed by enemies, conquers death, and rises again.

Lepus

The third constellation in the lower right is Lepus, the hare. Sometimes depicted as being chased by Orion, and his dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor.

The star in the middle of the painting is derived from the six-pointed Star of David, a symbol of the Jewish origins of Christianity. Intermediate points are added for decoration, and to add West and East cardinal directions. As a compass rose, the star indicates guidance and direction from the heavens, and the unseen forces of magnetism. The points of the star are beveled and painted in a creamy off-white, encouraging association with the Moravian star.