Who painted The Adoration of the Magi (1480)?

Filippino Lippi painted The Adoration of the Magi (1480) in 1480.

What Bible passage does The Adoration of the Magi (1480) depict?

The Adoration of the Magi (1480) depicts the biblical scene from Matthew 2:1-12.

Where is The Adoration of the Magi (1480) located?

The Adoration of the Magi (1480) is housed at The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London.

The Adoration of the Magi (1480) by Filippino Lippi

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In all likelihood this brilliant painting, dazzling with color and movement, is the one that was inventoried in 1492 after the death of Lorenzo de’ Medici, “il Magnifico,” Florence’s equally brilliant leader. At 100 florins, it was the most valuable painting in the palace and had probably been a treasured family possession for 40 or 50 years. The person who compiled the inventory believed that the tondo was the work of Fra Angelico (Florentine, c. 1395 - 1455), a favorite Medici artist. Scholars today, however, see more than one painter at work. The sweet delicacy of the Virgin’s face, for example, reveals the hand of Fra Angelico, who began his career as a manuscript illustrator, while the more robust figures of Joseph and the Three Kings point to his younger contemporary Fra Filippo Lippi. In 1438, Cosimo de’ Medici, Lorenzo’s grandfather, wrote that the two artists operated the most sought-after workshops in Florence. Probably, the panel was begun by Fra Angelico around 1440 but was left unfinished. After his death, some 20 years later, Fra Filippo, who had assumed the older artist’s mantle as Medici favorite, likely took up the commission. Other painters in the two artists’ busy shops may also have contributed.

Details

Artist: Filippino Lippi
Created: c. 1480
Medium: tempera on panel
Dimension: 86cm × 57cm
Passage: Matthew 2:1-12
Housed at: The National Gallery Trafalgar Square, London

Found in: Matthew, Matthew 2, 15th century, Adoration of the Magi, Raphael

Matthew 2:1-12

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,

2 “Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ would be born.

5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet,

6 ‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come a governor, who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’”

7 Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared.

8 He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him.”

9 They, having heard the king, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

11 They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Being warned in a dream that they shouldn’t return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.

Matthew 2:1-12 · World English Bible

The artist

Filippino Lippi

1457 - 1504

Prato, Italy

Filippino Lippi (April 1457 – April 1504) was an Italian painter working in Florence, Italy during the later years of the Early Renaissance and first few years of the High Renaissance.