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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