Adoration of the Magi Tapestry
Artist: Manufacture of Pieter van Aelst
Date: 1524-1531
Classification: Tapestry
Dimensions: 568 x 958 cm
Materials: Wool, Silk, Metallic yarn
Adopted By: The Michigan Chapter, The New York Chapter
Description
HIGH PRIORITY PROJECT
The large and sumptuous tapestry illustrates the episode of the homage of the Magi Kings to the Infant Jesus as described in the Gospel of Matthew. The panel is part of a series of 12 tapestries from the “New School” that recount the mysteries of the Life of Christ. Today, it is on display in the Gallery of the Tapestries inside the Museums. The ensemble is from the time of Pope Clement VII (1523-1534). The design of the reliefs is from Raphael, and the manufactory is from the Brussels workshop of Pieter van Aelst (1450-1532/3). He was the creator of famous tapestries including the Acts of the Apostles commissioned by Leo X for the walls of the Sistine Chapel many years before. The scene of the Adoration of the Magi, recalling the figures and the precious details, refers to drawings by Raphael and Giulio Romano, the true heir to the workshop of Urbino.
TOTAL COST: € 1.266.129,88 ($ 1,237,515.34)
(The cost will cover 8 years of restoration)
Restoration Procedures
-
Chemical-physical investigations to define the state of preservation
-
Assessment of the degree of pollution
-
Identification of original dyes
-
Imaging investigations with ultraviolet and colorimetric analysis
-
Removal of incoherent deposits with micro-aspirator
-
Elimination of previous interventions and preparation for washing
-
Photographic and graphic documentation
Detail
Adopted By:
The Michigan Chapter The New York ChapterPatrons:
Michigan Chapter New York Chapter Linda Del Rio (New York Chapter)
Inventory N°: 43860
Artist: Manufacture of Pieter van Aelst
Date: 1524-1531
Dimensions: 568 x 958 cm
Materials: Wool, Silk, Metallic yarn
Wishbook year: 2023
Adoration of the Magi Tapestry - Restoration Update
In March, April, and mid-May, restorers prepared the tapestry for washing by removing previous restorations that caused tension and deformation and stopping the free warps with heat-sealed netting and the gaps with easily recognizable white cotton yarn to prevent deformation during cleaning in a water solution.
Adoration of the Magi Tapestry
Details
Adopted by: The Michigan Chapter, The New York Chapter
Patrons: Michigan Chapter New York Chapter Linda Del Rio (New York Chapter)
Inventory: 43860
Artist: Manufacture of Pieter van Aelst
Date: 1524-1531
Classification: Tapestry
Materials: Wool, Silk, Metallic yarn
Dimensions: 568 x 958 cm
Department: XVII-XVIII Century Art
Laboratory: Tapestry and Textiles
Wishbook year: 2023
Description
HIGH PRIORITY PROJECT
The large and sumptuous tapestry illustrates the episode of the homage of the Magi Kings to the Infant Jesus as described in the Gospel of Matthew. The panel is part of a series of 12 tapestries from the “New School” that recount the mysteries of the Life of Christ. Today, it is on display in the Gallery of the Tapestries inside the Museums. The ensemble is from the time of Pope Clement VII (1523-1534). The design of the reliefs is from Raphael, and the manufactory is from the Brussels workshop of Pieter van Aelst (1450-1532/3). He was the creator of famous tapestries including the Acts of the Apostles commissioned by Leo X for the walls of the Sistine Chapel many years before. The scene of the Adoration of the Magi, recalling the figures and the precious details, refers to drawings by Raphael and Giulio Romano, the true heir to the workshop of Urbino.
TOTAL COST: € 1.266.129,88 ($ 1,237,515.34)
(The cost will cover 8 years of restoration)
Restoration Procedures
-
Chemical-physical investigations to define the state of preservation
-
Assessment of the degree of pollution
-
Identification of original dyes
-
Imaging investigations with ultraviolet and colorimetric analysis
-
Removal of incoherent deposits with micro-aspirator
-
Elimination of previous interventions and preparation for washing
-
Photographic and graphic documentation
Media
Adoration of the Magi Tapestry
Restorations Update: Adoration of the Magi Tapestry - Restoration Update
In March, April, and mid-May, restorers prepared the tapestry for washing by removing previous restorations that caused tension and deformation and stopping the free warps with heat-sealed netting and the gaps with easily recognizable white cotton yarn to prevent deformation during cleaning in a water solution.
© 2026 Patrons of the Arts
in the Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums V-00120,
Vatican City State (Europe)
+39 0669864499