Art historian Claudio Sagliocco introduces us to a masterpiece by Filippino Lippi in a new Menarini – Pills of Art video: Adoration of the Magi.

Created in 1496 and currently displayed in Florence’s prestigious Uffizi Gallery, this painting exemplifies the Florentine Renaissance at its finest, seamlessly blending technical brilliance with profound symbolism and emotional storytelling.

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The painting unfolds before a weathered stable, where an elaborate array of richly dressed figures gathers to honor the infant Jesus.

In the foreground, the three Magi kneel in devotion. A striking figure in a luxurious orange fur-trimmed tunic commands attention on the left, holding an astrolabe – an ancient celestial navigation tool that speaks to the Magi’s astronomical expertise.

Historical evidence suggests this figure portrays Pierfrancesco de’ Medici, with his sons Lorenzo and Giovanni depicted as the crowned king and the fair-haired youth at his side.

The painting’s background tells the story of the Magi’s journey, from their discovery of the guiding star to their audience with King Herod. The traditional ox and donkey of the Nativity stand partially obscured at the heart of the scene. These animals carry deeper meaning: the ox represents gentile nations while the donkey symbolizes the Jewish people, hinting at the future spread of Christianity through the apostles.

Filippino Lippi’s Adoration of the Magi goes beyond mere visual beauty, interweaving complex symbolic and cultural elements. From the nuanced expressions of the Magi to the painting’s masterful use of light, every detail showcases Lippi’s extraordinary artistic skill and keen sensitivity, creating an enduring work that continues to move audiences today.