The Old Master of the Gradual ("Willehalm Meister")
The Adoration of the Magi in an Initial E

1330-35
Manuscript illumination
The Wettinger Gradual, MS. Aargauer Kantonsbibliothek MsWettFm 1, fol. 49r

As in many such images in this period, the Magi represent the three ages of Man and one of them kneels to the Christ Child, his crown removed and kept on his arm.

The crossbar of the E makes a barrier between the main scene and the two younger kings. This may be an imitation of the barriers that hold back the shepherds in some Nativities of this period, or it may simply be intended to provide a bit of perspective.

More of the Magi

Source: e-Codices