Cortona Altarpiece with the Annunciation, predella: Adoration of the Magi (detail) by Angelico, Fra (1387-1455)
The subject of the Adoration of the Magi in Renaissance art encouraged the artist to play up the pageantry and exoticism of the legendary elements of the story. In Fra Angelico’s version, which he painted for an altar in the Dominican church of Cortona, a mood of intimate reverence pervades the familiar tale of how the travellers from the East arrived in Bethlehem to render homage to “a ruler who will govern my people Israel”. The composition moves from left to right as our attention is led to the Christ child. Dressed in costly fabrics, the kings present in turn their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Child and His mother. Fra Angelico narrates the event of the Kings’ ritual gestures with imaginative insight. Note how the artist depicts the king’s figure sprawled at the feet of the seated mother and child as if viewed from slightly above. From the viewer’s elevated position the king thus appears less grand and even humble as he kisses the Child’s foot. Details like the glimpse of the donkey peaking from out of the stable door towards the Virgin’s halo imbue the story with tenderness amid the solemnity. As our gaze moves towards the end of the procession, we reach the moment when the eldest king and Joseph exchange greetings as the king hands the gift to the father. As we know, Joseph will continue as steadfast protector of his young wife and new-born child. One cannot help wondering if the individual gifts brought by the king conceal deeper meanings. The tenderness with which the gifts are given and received surely hints that these are treasures far beyond material value.
Art Guide Resource
The 2014 Art Guide has been compiled by Claire Renkin, well-known art historian and lecturer at Yarra Theological Union and has been recorded by Dr. Rachael Kohn, author and public speaker, most well known for her ABC Radio National program, 'The Spirit of Things'. Music by Chris Zabriskie (chriszabriskie.com). Artworks © Bridgeman Images.
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