Gentile da Fabriano, The Adoration of the Magi, 1423 Flashcards
(31 cards)
When and where was Gentile da Fabriano born and where did he die?
Born c.1370–80 in Fabriano (Marche region); died 1427 in Rome.
Where did Gentile da Fabriano work before settling in Florence?
Venice (Sala del Maggior Consiglio, Doge’s Palace), northern Italy, Siena, Fabriano.
What major project did Gentile undertake after Florence?
Decoration of San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome (now lost).
What biblical story is depicted in Gentile’s Adoration of the Magi?
The journey and homage of the three Magi to the newborn Christ (Matthew’s Gospel).
How does Gentile represent the journey of the Magi in the painting?
Using a continuous narrative across three lunettes and the main panel.
What is the narrative structure of Adoration of the Magi?
Continuous narrative, moving left to right, following the Magi’s journey.
How does Gentile fill the scene visually?
Meandering procession, densely packed figures, luxurious costumes, exotic animals.
How does Gentile guide the viewer’s eye through the story?
Grouping of figures, gestures, glances, and golden halos.
How does the painting depict different ages?
The three Magi represent the three ages of man.
Name three narrative or lively details included.
Boy stealing a spur, leopard stalking deer, lone traveller being robbed.
What scenes are depicted in the predella panels?
Left: Nativity (night scene), Middle: Flight to Egypt, Right: Presentation at the Temple.
How are the predella panels stylistically different from the main altarpiece?
Less ornate, more experimental use of light and perspective.
Who commissioned Adoration of the Magi?
Palla Strozzi, a wealthy Florentine banker.
How did Palla Strozzi’s wealth and status influence the painting?
Lavish use of gold, rare pigments, elaborate courtly imagery.
Why was the theme of the Magi popular among wealthy bankers?
It justified material wealth in a religious context, countering the sin of usury.
How is Palla Strozzi represented in the painting?
As a courtier behind the third Magus, holding a falcon (family reference).
What personalised elements link the painting to the Strozzi family?
Crescent moon on horse’s bridle (Strozzi coat of arms), hunting scenes.
What materials were used in Adoration of the Magi?
Egg tempera, gold leaf, pastiglia (embossed gilded details), lapis lazuli.
What technique makes some details three-dimensional?
Pastiglia: raised gesso shapes gilded to look like solid gold.
How did Gentile achieve the luminous quality in his painting?
Layered gold leaf, polished gesso panels, finely hatched tempera strokes.
What style characterises Adoration of the Magi?
International Gothic Style (IGS).
Why was gold particularly effective in the Strozzi Chapel?
It reflected candlelight, enhancing the richness and majesty of the scene.
What features of the IGS are evident in Gentile’s painting?
Courtly elegance, sumptuous materials, elongated graceful figures, ornamental detail.
How does the painting hint at the coming Renaissance?
Experiments with naturalistic lighting and perspective in the predella panels.
