Sandro Botticelli, "Adoration of the Magi"

 

   In the spirit of the holidays, I decided a Christmas image would be appropriate this week.  Many painters created this scene of the Wise Men coming to worship the baby Jesus and Sandro Botticelli's is thought to be the first, painted in 1475.  Here we are in Florence, Italy during the period now known as the early Renaissance and Botticelli (c.1445-1510) has been commissioned by Gaspare di Zanobi del Lama to paint this scene for his family's chapel in Santa Maria Novella.  Some references refer to him as a banker, while others are more direct, calling him a money changer.  
   I find this painting very interesting for it certainly has a lot in it. Botticelli lived his entire life in Florence, traveling only occasionally to other parts of Italy, so he would only know what could be read or told him about the conditions surrounding Jesus.  This painting is almost secular.  There are no halos around the Holy Family, only a star/light at the top center pointing down to Jesus to suggest the reason for this collection of people.  And, it is a crowd!   
    This architectural structure upon which the family is seated seems to provide the vehicle so Botticelli could paint portraits of significant people.  A quick Google search informs us many of them are members of the distinguished Medici family of Florence.  The Medici's were definitely the folks to get to know in Italy, particularly Florence. Their money originally came from the textile industry, then into banking creating the Medici Bank which became the largest and most successful.  I think it is easy to draw the conclusion that this painting is more a political statement than a religious one.   
   But, looking further and remembering this is early Renaissance, notice most structures in the background are ruins. Except for the Virgin Mary, all are men and only a few are paying attention to the Family.  Look at how tired and bored Joseph seems to be.  And the man on our far right, looking out straight at us is thought to be Botticelli himself.   Isn't all this curious, and the reason I love to look at it!   Many more painting's on this subject are yet to come, and almost all have a much greater religious significance.  But at the time, Botticelli's creation  was lauded and all were happy, for to be portrayed being at this scene in Nazareth was a definite honor.
   Adoration of the Magi is a tempera painting on wood.  It measures 43.7" x 52.7".  It was painted in 1475 and is now part of the collection of the Uffizi Museum in Florence, Italy.

   Have a wonderful Holiday Season.    

   Make Art a part of  your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. Char HarguthDecember 21, 2020 at 6:35 PM

    Yes, a lot to look at. The architecture in the background is quite a contrast to the shelter this group is gathered around. The blocks on the upper right appear to be from a former structure. Are they stenciled, or is greenery growing out of them? Not all the people are interested in the baby; some seem distracted and are looking in different directions with many different expressions. It just seems like a diverse gathering, but certainly a skillful work. I agree, the people in the painting must have a significant reason for being included. I imagine their attire has importance too.

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