description Adoration of the Magi (Gentile da Fabriano) Overview
Gentile da Fabriano painted the Adoration of the Magi in 1423 for the chapel of the wealthy banker Palla Strozzi in Santa Trinita, Florence. The tempera-and-gold altarpiece presents the Magi's journey and arrival as a continuous, richly populated procession filled with luxurious fabrics, animals, and courtly detail. Now in the Uffizi Gallery, it is a major example of the decorative refinement associated with International Gothic painting.
help Adoration of the Magi (Gentile da Fabriano) FAQ
Why does Gentile da Fabriano's Adoration of the Magi contain so much gold?
The gold leaf, patterned surfaces, and tooled halos reflect the luxurious International Gothic style favored by elite patrons. They also suited the wealth and status of Palla Strozzi, the Florentine banker who commissioned the altarpiece in 1423.
How does the painting show different moments of the Magi's journey?
Gentile uses a continuous narrative, repeating the travelers as they move through several episodes within one landscape. Their journey winds from the upper background toward the crowded act of adoration in the foreground.
Why are there exotic animals in the Adoration of the Magi?
Monkeys, camels, horses, and hunting animals make the Magi's procession appear distant, international, and splendid. They also allowed Gentile to display close observation and appeal to a courtly audience fascinated by luxury and rarity.
Where is Gentile da Fabriano's Adoration of the Magi now?
The 1423 altarpiece is in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. It was originally made for the Strozzi family chapel in the church of Santa Trinita.
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