A detailed hand-coloured copperplate engraving by Johann Sadeler I, depicting the biblical scene of the Magi receiving a divine warning in a dream.

This hand-coloured copperplate engraving by Johann Sadeler I depicts the biblical narrative of the Magi receiving a divine warning in a dream. The scene is set within a classical architectural interior, featuring columns and tiled flooring that reflect the influence of Renaissance perspective. An angel stands beside the bed of a sleeping figure, gesturing towards the sleeper to convey the message. The composition is structured to guide the viewer through the narrative, with secondary figures visible in the background, suggesting a sequence of events.

Sadeler, a member of a prolific family of engravers from the Southern Netherlands, demonstrates technical precision in his line work. The engraving is enhanced with delicate hand-colouring, which adds definition to the drapery, the angel's wings, and the architectural elements. The inclusion of Latin and French text at the base of the image provides context, identifying the source as a passage from the Gospel of Matthew. This type of print was often produced for inclusion in illustrated bibles or devotional books, which were common in late sixteenth-century Europe.

The work exhibits characteristics of Northern Mannerism, particularly in the elongated proportions of the figures and the theatrical arrangement of the space. The attention to detail in the furniture, such as the lion-headed motifs on the bed frame and the stool, reflects the decorative sensibilities of the period. The print captures a moment of quiet tension, contrasting the stillness of the sleeping Magi with the urgent presence of the celestial messenger. The use of colour is restrained, focusing on earthy tones and muted primaries, which maintains the focus on the narrative content rather than purely decorative effects. This piece offers a glimpse into the printmaking traditions of the late Renaissance, where technical skill and religious storytelling were closely linked.