The Adoration of the Magi

Edited by D. Parenti, N. Righi

The Adoration of the Magi, a masterpiece of Sandro Botticelli, is the star of the 16th edition of Masterpiece for Milan. The work, from the Uffizi Galleries by Florence, is exposed to the Diocesan Museum Carlo Maria Martini.

Made around the 1475 for the Chapel of the Magi in the Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, the table is commissioned by Gasparre del Lama. Botticelli tackles the theme with extraordinary originality, placing the hut in the centre and arranging the figures in dynamic poses. The Madonna and Child dominates the scene in divine light, with Giuseppe absorbed behind them. All around, a parade of characters, including members of the family Doctorsemphasises the commissioner's political connection to the powerful Florentine dynasty.

The work expresses Botticelli's portraiture mastery and vivid colour palette. In the background, the ruins of an ancient building represent the end of the pagan world, while a peacock, symbol of Resurrection, appears on the right, giving the work a profound Christian and Renaissance symbolism.