Wise Men Journey, Christian Wall Art

What is painted

We ride behind the travelers. Three camels walk side by side across sandy desert hills dotted with low shrubs and stones. Each rider wears rich robes: the first a crown and a cloak of red and gold, the second a green mantle and a domed headdress, the third a white robe with a deep blue sash. Small ornate chests are strapped to their saddles, and tasseled blankets hang over the camels' flanks.

The sun has just set behind the far ridges, so the horizon glows amber while the upper sky turns to starry navy. A single bright star with long rays hangs ahead of them. On the right, palm trees and the domes of a lit town appear in the distance.

The painting has the texture of a thick impressionist oil and fills the print from edge to edge. It contains no words.

We have seen his star

Matthew 2:1-12 tells of wise men from the east who came to Jerusalem asking where the newborn King of the Jews could be found, for they had seen his star. Herod's scholars pointed them to Bethlehem. The star went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the Child was, and Matthew 2:10 says: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”

They found the Child with Mary his mother, worshiped him, and opened their treasures: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went home by another way. Scripture does not say there were three or that they were kings; that tradition grew from the three gifts, and the painting follows it.

From Advent to Epiphany

This scene suits the whole Christmas season and especially Epiphany on January 6, when many churches remember the visit of the Magi. Hang it in a hallway, a study or above a console table, where the long view across the desert gives the room depth.

It is a fine Christmas gift for a traveler, a missionary, a scholar or a teacher, anyone who has followed a calling far from home.

Prints are giclée on thick archival paper with a matte surface, made on demand in the US, and US delivery is free. The print comes without a frame, in sizes from 5x7 through 24x36 inches as well as metric and A sizes. You may also choose a digital file.