Τhe adoration of the magi, Sandro Botticelli, 1475
“ The Adoration of the Magi” was the first work of the artist to have commanded worldwide respect, transfusing him with fame and popularity, and an early and clear sign of the influence of the Medici on his personal artistic style. Made with oil paint and its dimensions being 1.11 x 1.34 meters, it is exhibited at the Uffizi Museum. Its generation dates back in 1475-1476, as a request from Gaspare di Zanobi del Lama, a banker under the protection of the Medici. Its initial purpose was to adorn the church of Santa Maria Novella, and more specifically, the chapel of the family del Lama, as a means of purging them of sins.
Botticelli wanted to tribute his protectors, the Medici, consequently including many members of the family and their servants in his painting. It was a common technique, adopted by artists since the Middle Ages, which involved illustrating the artist’ s protectors in religious compositions.
As far as the content of the painting is concerned, the number of the figures presented as observers of the prostration needs to be highlighted. Among them, the faces of Cosimo de’ Medici, the founder of the Medici Dynasty, kneeling in front of the Infant respectfully, and of Pierro Gottoso, the eldest son of Cosimo and father of Lorenzo and Giuliano, wearing a red coat, can be distinguished, as well as the face of Giovanni, also son of Cosimo and the younger brother of Pierro, wearing a white coat.
The grand children of Cosimo, Lorenzo and Giuliano, are also depicted. The former is displayed as an adolescent, standing with his horse and ready to be sent on a diplomatic mission. The latter is standing in the front line, on the right, with Gaspare di Zanobi del Lama, turned to the viewer, behind him.
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