Netherlands/Middle East: 'The Adoration of the Magi'. Oil on panel painting by Pieter Aertsen (c. 1508 - 3 June 1575), 1560. According to Christianity, the Three Kings, or Three Wise Men, travelled from the East to Bethlehem to pay homage to the newly born Messiah, the son of God. Cradled in his mother the Virgin Maryˇs hands, the baby Jesus holds up his hand in a blessing. Before him kneels King Melchior, offering a gift of gold. Joseph, Mary's husband, stands behind in red.