Los Reyes Magos

Hipolito Marte Martinez, Los Reyes Magos, early 20th century, carved and painted wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.59
Copied Hipolito Marte Martinez, Los Reyes Magos, early 20th century, carved and painted wood, 12 x 19 5⁄8 x 2 1⁄4 in. (30.5 x 49.8 x 5.8 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.59
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Artwork Details

Title
Los Reyes Magos
Artist
Date
early 20th century
Location
Dimensions
12 x 19 5⁄8 x 2 1⁄4 in. (30.5 x 49.8 x 5.8 cm.)
Credit Line
Teodoro Vidal Collection
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood
Classifications
Subjects
  • Religion — New Testament — Magi
  • Equestrian
Object Number
1996.91.59
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1996.91.59

Artwork Description

The three Magi (Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar) followed the star of Bethlehem to visit the newborn Christ child. In Puerto Rico, Melchior is always represented with dark skin because, according to local tradition, the rays of a star burned him. Puertorriqueño children wait eagerly for the Feast of the Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6 to commemorate the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem. They leave boxes of hay and bowls of water under their beds for the Magi's horses. It is like a second Christmas as they await the gifts that will be given to them.