Commentary on the Apocalypse and commentary on the Book of Daniel
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan (1837-1913) in 1910
Magi: Adoration -- Groom holding bridles of three horses in portal; three Magi crowned, inscribed CASPAR, BALTASAR and MELCHIOR, bearing gifts, two bearded, the third beardless, right hand raised, Melchior kneeling before Christ Child nimbed, seated on lap of Virgin Mary, pearled nimbus, seated on bench; architectural setting with starred and decorated background; to right, nimbed angel.
Above, heads in medallions of genealogical tree.
Beatus of Valcavado, In Apocalipsin, Praefatio.
The last tables cover the period from the Babylonian Exile to the Incarnation of Christ. At the top of the last table, in the two small unconnected roundels, we read Jacob genuit Josep (Jacob begat Joseph) and Josep disponsabit mariam virginem (Joseph betrothed to Virgin Mary). Below is Christ, on Mary's lap, adored by the Magi, an act symbolizing public recognition of the Savior. By the third century the Magi were redefined as kings, and by the ninth century they were given the familiar names of Caspar, Balthazar, and Melchior. The inscription in the circle below the Madonna states that the Lion of Judah, from the root of David, will conquer, and that to the left describes Christ's life and Passion, thus underscoring that the fruit of this genealogy will result in humanity's redemption.