Synopsis
This abundantly illustrated book examines the figure of Balthazar, one of the biblical magi, and explains how and why he came to be depicted as a Black African king.
According to the Gospel of Matthew, magi from the East, following a star, traveled to Jerusalem bearing precious gifts for the infant Jesus. The magi were revered as wise men and later as kings. Over time, one of the three came to be known as Balthazar and to be depicted as a Black man.
Balthazar was familiar to medieval Europeans, appearing in paintings, manuscript illuminations, mosaics, carved ivories, and jewelry. But the origin story of this fascinating character uncovers intricate ties between Europe and Africa, including trade and diplomacy as well as colonization and enslavement.
In this book, experts in the fields of Ethiopian, West African, Nubian, and Western European art explore the representation of Balthazar as a Black African king. They examine exceptional art that portrays the European fantasy of the Black magus while offering clues about the very real Africans who may have inspired these images. Along the way, the authors chronicle the Black presence in premodern Europe, where free and enslaved Black people moved through public spaces and courtly circles. The volume’s lavish illustrations include selected works by contemporary artists who creatively challenge traditional depictions of Black history.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Kristen Collins is curator of manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum.
Bryan C. Keene (he/él/they/elle) is assistant professor of art history at Riverside City College and a former associate curator of manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum. He specializes in codex cultures of a global Middle Ages and fantasy medievalisms.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Search results for Balthazar: A Black African King in Medieval and Renaissance...
Stock Image
Balthazar: A Black African King in Medieval and Renaissance Art
Seller: Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Harrisburg, PA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Very Good - Crisp, clean, unread book with some shelfwear/edgewear, may have a remainder mark - NICE Oversized. PAPERBACK. Seller Inventory # M1606067850Z2
Stock Image
Balthazar Format: Paperback
Seller: INDOO, Avenel, NJ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Brand New. Seller Inventory # 9781606067857
Seller Image
Balthazar (Paperback)
Published by
Getty Trust Publications, Santa Monica CA, 2023
ISBN 10: 1606067850
ISBN 13: 9781606067857
New
Paperback
Seller: Grand Eagle Retail, Bensenville, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. This abundantly illustrated book examines the figure of Balthazar, one of the biblical magi, and explains how and why he came to be depicted as a Black African king. According to the Gospel of Matthew, magi from the East, following a star, traveled to Jerusalem bearing precious gifts for the infant Jesus. The magi were revered as wise men and later as kings. Over time, one of the three came to be known as Balthazar and to be depicted as a Black man. Balthazar was familiar to medieval Europeans, appearing in paintings, manuscript illuminations, mosaics, carved ivories, and jewelry. But the origin story of this fascinating character uncovers intricate ties between Europe and Africa, including trade and diplomacy as well as colonization and enslavement. In this book, experts in the fields of Ethiopian, West African, Nubian, and Western European art explore the representation of Balthazar as a Black African king. They examine exceptional art that portrays the European fantasy of the Black magus while offering clues about the very real Africans who may have inspired these images. Along the way, the authors chronicle the Black presence in premodern Europe, where free and enslaved Black people moved through public spaces and courtly circles. The volume's lavish illustrations include selected works by contemporary artists who creatively challenge traditional depictions of Black history. This abundantly illustrated book examines the figure of Balthazar, one of the biblical magi, and explains how and why he came to be depicted as a Black African king. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781606067857
Seller Image
Balthazar : A Black African King in Medieval and Renaissance Art
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 44492580-n
Stock Image
Balthazar: A Black African King in Medieval and Renaissance Art
Seller: Strand Book Store, ABAA, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 3543027
Stock Image
Balthazar
Seller: PBShop.store US, Wood Dale, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # WY-9781606067857
Stock Image
Balthazar
Seller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # WY-9781606067857
Buy New
US$ 45.65
Shipping:
US$ 7.72
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 15 available
Seller Image
Balthazar : A Black African King in Medieval and Renaissance Art
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 44492580
Stock Image
Balthazar: A Black African King in Medieval and Renaissance Art
Seller: Majestic Books, Hounslow, United Kingdom
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 402172235
Buy New
US$ 47.54
Shipping:
US$ 8.55
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 3 available
Stock Image
Balthazar: A Black African King in Medieval and Renaissance Art (eng)
Seller: Brook Bookstore On Demand, Napoli, NA, Italy
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 90EMC0XY7G