Chapter 15 / Procession and Adoration of the Magi

Florence, Italy / 1423

This painting was commissioned in Florence in 1423 and was carried out by Gentile da Fabriano. The painting is very elaborate in the gothic style. The painting depicts a procession that winds its way to where the three Magi are worshiping Jesus. The procession spreads itself throughout the entire painting, taking four turns and eventually leading to Jesus. The crowded aspect and attention to detail really show the bustle and excitement that Jesus' birth created. Along with human figures in the crows, exotic animals are also littered around the painting. You can see birds, horses, monkeys, a leopard, bulls, and more. This could symbolize that Jesus' birth was not just important for humanity, but for the entirety of the world and its creatures.

The panels show other stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. In the foreground, the three magi are shown offering Jesus gifts, but these three men can also be seen in the background, indicating that their procession is continuous, and the observer could follow the painting like a story. On the far left, the men search for a star to guide them to Jesus. Once they find the star, they lead the procession to Jerusalem (shown in the center panel). The entire painting includes stories-within-stories. To the bottom right, a dog looks up in fear that a horse may step on him. On the far left, two women are inspecting a gift that was presented to Jesus. This attention to detail highlights the importance of Jesus' birth, as well as the technique of Fabriano.

The gold detailing shows an aspect of wealth. This relates to the fact that Jesus is as/more important than royalty, but also represents the wealth of the commissioner. The painting was commissioned by Florence's richest merchant, Palla Strozzi, to decorate his family chapel in the sanctity of Santa Trinita.