Adoration of the Magi

Gentile da Fabriano, Adoration of the Magi, tempera on wood, Italy ca. 1423, The Uffizi Gallery, Florence. This extraordinary painting is immersed in devotion and the importance of religion. As the extended journey was coming to an end, the Magi came before the recently born Messiah. Guided by the star, they kneel before the one and only Holy Family, while offering meaningful presents and elements of a prosperous life. The three wise men are seen toward the center of the painting, dressed in exceedingly beautiful and rich clothing. The trio arrives with a unique procession, even containing exotic animals, symbolizing their arrival from the East. Differing scenes are depicted in this extraordinarily detailed piece’s background. These include the initial sign of the star, the journey of the Magi, their way home, and their discussion at Herod’s palace. This is split into three different areas but is ultimately brought together with the assistance of a rocky backdrop just over the horizon. While viewing the piece, it is visually separated by the arches. The beautifully created gold frame holds decorated sides, complete with flowers painted in colors. To add to the value of the piece, a predella shows the scenes and tells the story of Christ’s childhood. This stretches from the early moments, such as the Flight into Egypt and the Nativity, and later ones as well, such as the Presentation at the Sacred Temple. All are original, except the Presentation at the Temple, which is an exact copy of the original, currently housed at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Like many paintings of its time, it was commissioned by a wealthy banker and art admirer, Palla Strozzi, for the Church of Santa Trinita’s chapel in Florence. The panel of the painting holds the signature of the artist and dates back to 1423. Though Gentile painted many fabulous works, the Adoration of the Magi is thought to be his finest piece and is described as the most prominent example of paintings in Gothic Italy. It incorporates all of his artistic skills and specific techniques, which can be seen in many aspects of the piece. Specifically, the usage of metal leaves creates a relief, which adds three-dimensionality to the multiple items present. Shadows and shading can be seen on the detailing of the horseman and the sword. Unlike the common gold background used in the Middle Ages, the scene has blue skies, portraying Gentile’s interest in nature and the beginning of the common aesthetic thought in the Renaissance.