Images of the Three Magi in Rome

The Three Magi by Pier Paolo Olivieri (1551-99), Santa Pudenziana

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January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany (Festa dell' Epifania), which celebrates the revelation (theophany) of God to the Gentiles, as represented by the three Magi, who are called in Greek Magoi (Latin Magi: ‘magicians’ or ‘astrologers’).  

The only gospel to mention the event is that of Matthew (2: 1-12). In the tenth century the three Magi (a number not specified by Matthew, but deduced to accord with their three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh) began to appear as kings. The three kings came to be known by a variety of names, standardised in the Middle Ages as Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar. 

​In the earliest depictions, the Magi wear Persian trousers and sport Phrygian hats, references to their origin in the east. 

The oldest surviving image of the Three Magi is to be found in the catacombs of Priscilla. It has been dated to the 3rd century. 

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Fresco (3rd century), Catacombs of Priscilla

4th Century Sarcophagus, Vatican Museums

4th Century Bas-relief, Vatican Museums

5th Century Mosaic, Santa Maria Maggiore

5th Century Mosaic, Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Adoration of the Magi, Santa Maria Maggiore