What picture is Shakespeare referencing with "the picture of 'We Three'"?

Question

In the play Twelfth Night, a fool interrupts two conversing gentlemen exclaiming "have you never seen the picture of 'We Three'?" (Act II, Scene iii, line 15). I have heard it is a drawing of two 'asses' looking out to viewer, with the implication that they, too, are a clown. I haven't been able to find any reproduction or the like of the drawing. Does anyone have any information on this?

I know the history of the Twelfth Night. The play was written to be preformed during the celebration, and was considered especially fitting due to many excepts to the 'natural order' in the play. While I'm sure Shakespeare intended the wordplay, I have found several sources citing the 'We Three' picture as being unrelated to depictions of the wisemen.

My best research so far has indicated it was often displayed in or around pubs.

Answer 1

It is biblical analogy.
Twelfth Night is the night before Epiphany which is the day the three Wise Men, also known as the Three Kings or Magi, from the East arrived in Bethlehem bringing gifts to the Christ child.

**Edit: Mike, I am still trying to get more info and read the play closely and analytically but most sources suggest biblical analogy. If I chance on a different fresh perspective, I'll surely post it here.


good luck