The Adoration of the Magi 1387 - 1393

Bartolo di Fredi created "The Adoration of the Magi" in the late 14th century using tempera and gold on a wood panel, a method demanding precision. Tempera, made from pigment mixed with egg yolk, dries quickly, necessitating swift and deliberate brushstrokes. The artist applied thin layers to build up color and form, creating a smooth yet vibrant surface. Gilding, the application of delicate gold leaf, adorns the halos and details, symbolizing divinity and opulence. The process required meticulous craftsmanship, from preparing the panel to applying the gold leaf and burnishing it to a radiant shine. The materials and processes used in "The Adoration of the Magi" reflect the values and priorities of its time. This panel embodies not only artistic skill but also significant labor and class, with the use of luxurious materials elevating the painting's social status. Appreciating the process and material of “The Adoration of the Magi” allows us to understand its meaning beyond the religious narrative.