The Adoration of the Magi

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs The Adoration of the Magi as painting (Italy, Siena · 1440–45).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

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 co

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A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this painting as tempera and gold on wood panel and credits Giovanni di Paolo (Italian, c. 1403–1482).

The museum's collection notes: 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 t

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtThe Adoration of the Magi

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