Adoration of the Magi 1482

Sandro Botticelli painted *Adoration of the Magi* with tempera on wood panel during the Italian Renaissance, a period marked by the rediscovery of classical art and philosophy, and also a flourishing of civic humanism. In this painting, the biblical scene becomes a stage for the artist to explore identity and representation. Botticelli, known for his portraits of the Medici family, includes them here, thus intertwining religious narrative with the contemporary socio-political landscape of Florence. The opulence of the Magi's robes and the inclusion of recognizable portraits serve to legitimize the Medici's power and align them with divine authority. Botticelli captures a sense of humanism and emotional depth by portraying the figures with individualized expressions and gestures. The adoration scene takes on a deeply personal and emotional quality, inviting viewers to contemplate their own relationship to faith.