The carved wooden box, known as an altarpiece shrine, depicts the biblical Adoration of the Magi: the Three Kings honour the Christ Child shortly after his birth with precious gifts.

The figures, the landscape setting, and the architectural superstructure were carved in serial production and then assembled. This “modular system” allowed workshops to work in a division of labour, quickly and cost-effectively, while also resulting in lower prices and shorter delivery times for customers.

Only a few altarpiece shrines from the Flemish city of Mechelen have survived. Movable side wings were attached to the outer edges of the box. Can you still see traces of the hinges there?