Adoration of the three Magi

The scene focuses on the newborn Christ-child in his mother’s arms, surrounded by bright rays of light. Joseph, in the dark on the lowest step, watches the arrival of the three Magi. Rays of light emanating from the Child illuminate Joseph’s face, shown in profile, and make for the sculptural quality of his right hand. The light surrounding the Magi is brighter by far. Lying on the steps, as in a still life, are some of their gifts as well as the crown laid aside by the king kneeling before the Child, who holds his hands
as though in blessing. The colouration ranges from intense blue, yellow and red to pastel shades.
In the dark area on the right, repoussoir figures follow the arrival of the kings. Together with the other onlookers, they enhance the impression of spatial depth.

Ducke Astrid: Pierre Subleyras, Adoration of the three Magi, in: Ducke Astrid, Habersatter Thomas (Hrsg./Edi.): von | from 0 auf | to 100. Residenzgalerie Salzburg 1923-2023. Salzburg 2023, S./p. 216-217