Artwork Page for The Adoration of the Magi

Details / Information for The Adoration of the Magi

The Adoration of the Magi

1440–45

Giovanni di Paolo

(Italian, c. 1403–1482)
Culture
Italy, Siena
Medium
tempera and gold on wood panel
Measurements
Framed: 52.5 x 59 x 7.5 cm (20 11/16 x 23 1/4 x 2 15/16 in.); Unframed: 38.4 x 44.3 cm (15 1/8 x 17 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Delia E. Holden and L. E. Holden Funds 1942.536
Public Domain
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Location
117A Italian Renaissance
Print

Description

According to the Gospel of Matthew, three Magi, guided by a star, found the newborn Christ and laid gifts before him. Artists throughout the 15th century elaborated considerably upon this biblical account, devoting particular attention to the Magi’s entourage, which gave them an opportunity to depict the splendor of contemporary aristocratic life. Here, the Magi solemnly honor the divine child in the Virgin’s arms, while their bustling retinue of courtiers and animals provides an exuberant visual diversion. Di Paolo was one of the leading painters in 15th-century Siena, noted both for his manuscript illuminations and painted panels supplied to the city’s churches.
Horizontally-oriented tempera painting depicting people with light skin tones gathered to the right of a grey-white brick tower. Directly in front of the tower, Mary, wearing vibrant blue, holds a baby Christ in her lap, Joseph at her side. Christ places his hand on the head of one of the three Magi, bent as his feet while the other two line up behind, all wearing ornate, gold garments. All of these people have solid gold halos while an entourage of people and animals extends behind the Magi. A cave-like alcove with a manger, cow, and donkey extends into a grey-hilled background.

The Adoration of the Magi

1440–45

Giovanni di Paolo

(Italian, c. 1403–1482)
Italy, Siena

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