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 Balthazar: A Black African King in Medieval and Renaissance Art (J. Paul Getty Museum, $40), experts examine manuscript illuminations, paintings, and sculptures of the Black magus from Getty and other international collections. Essays by experts in the art of Ethiopia, Nubia, West Africa, western Europe, and the African diaspora add a rich interchange of ideas. They provide insight into the complex interconnections of race, religion, trade, enslavement, and colonial power that influenced images of the Black king over time. Works by contemporary artists connect to the present; they question traditional narratives of conquest, exploration, and authority and actively participate in a process of history making through their work. This extensively illustrated volume welcomes everyone—from casual readers to students and scholars. It offers a compact yet nuanced look at portrayals of the Black magus, from medieval legend to Renaissance king to popular figure today.
