Virtual Nativity - The Wise Men before Herod

One of the Salerno’s ‘avori’ (or ivories, also known as ‘Paliotto salernitano’) depicts the Wise Men meeting Herod. The panel is one of sixty-seven ivory panels from Salerno’s Cathedral, dating back to the 11th-12th centuries.

“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.’

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

“And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.” ’

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ “
Matthew 2.1-8

James J. Tissot  was a well-known French impressionist painter, who in his later years travelled twice to the Holy Land and produced a series of 700 accurate watercolour drawings to illustrate the Old and New Testaments — especially the life of Christ.

His painting “The Magi in the House of Herod” shows King Herod speaking with the Three Kings, who are seeking the Christ Child.