Adoration of the Magi

Wikipedia

Biblical Context

Adoration of the Magi - The visit of the three wise men (Magi) from the East who followed a star to Bethlehem to pay homage to the infant Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-12).

Notable for including portraits of the Medici family:

  • Cosimo was painted as the oldest magus, kneeling before the Christ
  • The other two magi are Giovanni and Cosimo's son, Piero the Gouty
  • The left most youth may be Lorenzo
  • The right, dark haired youth may be Giuliano, Lorenzo's brother
  • The figure with gold-colored cloak on the right is believed to be Botticelli's self-portrait
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