In Byzantine and Post-Byzantine art the theme “The Magi’s Journey” is usually included in the “Birth of Jesus” canon (see the canon “The Birth of Jesus”), but it may also appear by itself. As an individual theme, “The Magi’s Journey” has a simple structure: in a hilly landscape the magi are traveling towards Bethlehem, guided by the star. Frequently, they are shown riding, dressed in rich garments. Less often than in Western art where this detail is common, they are joined by servants.

The Magi, whose number is not mentioned in the Gospel, are canonically shown as three persons, probably due to the number of gifts offered: gold, frankincense and myrrh (cf. Matthew, 2:9-11). Their social rank, age or place of origin are also not mentioned, but popular and apocryphal literature were free to bestow on them different attributes, even multiplying their number to 12, as the Apostles. This is the explanation why the Byzantine art canon lacks a standard representation, however specifying their number - three, and their influential social position: either kings or magi, detail emphasized by the crowns or headgear considered by the artist to be a “magus’ cap”.