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.

The first publication to examine the pioneering designer and prolific collector who led Tiffany & Co. to creative and commercial success A silversmith, designer, and prodigious collector, Edward C. Moore (1827-1891) was the creative leader who brought Tiffany & Co. toun paralleled originality and success during the late nineteenth century. This informative, richly illustrated volume-the first study of Moore's life and influence-presents more than 175 examples from his vast collection, ranging from Greek and Roman glass to Spanish vases, Islamic metalwork, and Japanese textiles. These are juxtaposed with sixty-nine magnificent silver objects created by the designers and artisans at Tiffany who were inspired by Moore's acquisitions. The illuminating texts have been enriched by groundbreaking research into newspapers, periodicals, the Tiffany & Co. Archives, a newly identified technical manual, and supervisor's diaries, all of which provide an intimate look at the firm's design processes and Moore's role in shaping them. A valuable contribution to the history of American decorative arts, Collecting Inspiration illuminates the legendary Tiffany aesthetic and the legacy of a significant collector, designer, and entrepreneur of the Gilded Age. Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press Exhibition Schedule: