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From gold to glory: Experiencing Fabriano’s Adoration of the Magi

Gentile da Fabriano’s Adoration of the Magi, painted in 1423, is a jewel of the International Gothic style. Its lavish gold leaf, rich colors, and crowded storytelling transport viewers to a world of pageantry and devotion. Commissioned for the wealthy Strozzi family, this masterpiece captures the moment the Magi arrive to honor the Christ Child with gifts.

Where is it located?

You’ll find it displayed in the Early Renaissance halls on the second floor of the gallery.

Tickets

Entry is included with a standard Uffizi ticket, so no separate ticket is required to view it.

How to best visit the Adoration of the Magi

  • Enhance your visit with a guide: Take a guided tour or use the Uffizi’s audio guide. Both explain the painting’s dazzling gold techniques, the narrative scenes, and the luxury that made it a Florentine favorite.
  • Best viewing spot: Stand a few steps back to take in the expansive main panel. Then move closer to notice the tiny details in the predella (smaller scenes at the bottom).
  • Observe the details: Look at the sumptuous fabrics, exotic animals, and architectural backdrops. Each detail reflects Florence’s fascination with wealth, trade, and storytelling.
  • Lighting effects: The Uffizi’s lighting makes the gold leaf shimmer differently as you move around. Step sideways to watch the halos glow, creating a magical effect.
  • Photography tips: Non-flash photography is permitted. To capture the glimmer of gold leaf, try a slight angle instead of shooting directly head-on.
  • Best time to visit: Early mornings or the last two hours before closing are quieter. This gives you more time to admire the rich storytelling without crowds pressing in.

Did you know?

🪙Gentile da Fabriano used ultra-fine gold leaf and lapis lazuli, making it one of the most expensive works of its time.

🐪The horses, camels, and exotic animals hint at Florence’s trade connections and fascination with the East.

🖼️The predella panels (arranged hosrizontally in miniature forms) below show Christ’s early life, including the Flight into Egypt.

✍️The artist signed the painting (rare for the period) on the frame itself. The work marks a transition between the Gothic love for ornament and the Renaissance interest in realism.

Story behind the Adoration of the Magi

A commission of wealth and prestige

In 1423, Palla Strozzi, Florence’s richest man, commissioned Gentile da Fabriano to create an altarpiece for his family chapel in Santa Trinita. The aim was clear: showcase both faith and fortune.

A golden gothic marvel

Gentile, then Italy’s leading International Gothic painter, created a masterpiece glowing with gold and ornate detail. He filled the scene with richly dressed figures, exotic animals, and rolling landscapes: more like a royal procession than a humble Nativity.

Symbolism woven in detail

The three Magi represent the continents and ages of humankind, uniting all before Christ. Fabrics shimmer with intricate patterns, while halos blaze with tooled gold, symbolizing divine light.

A bridge to the Renaissance

While steeped in Gothic elegance, the work hints at Renaissance naturalism. Horses show movement, faces reveal character, and the landscapes suggest depth. Gentile’s painting became a stepping stone between two artistic eras.

Its journey to the Uffizi

Originally installed in Santa Trinita church in Florence, the painting was moved to the Uffizi in the 18th century. Today, it remains one of the gallery’s most dazzling treasures.

A lasting legacy

Five centuries later, Adoration of the Magi still captivates with its golden glow and intricate storytelling. It’s more than a painting; it’s a glimpse into Florence’s wealth, devotion, and artistry at the dawn of the Renaissance.

Who created the Adoration of the Magi?

Gentile da Fabriano (c.1370–1427) was an Italian painter celebrated as the master of the International Gothic style, which is known for its elegance, rich ornament, and storytelling. Fabriano worked across Venice, Rome, and Florence.

By the time he painted the Adoration of the Magi, Gentile was the most sought-after painter in Italy. His ability to blend spiritual devotion with lavish decorative detail made him the perfect choice for Palla Strozzi’s ambitious commission.

Gentile’s artistry lies in turning religious stories into grand visual spectacles. In this altarpiece, he combines shimmering gold, exotic costumes, and expressive detail to create a work that dazzled 15th-century Florence, and continues to shine today.

What makes the Adoration of the Magi a masterpiece? See for yourself

Visitor viewing the Adoration of the Magi painting in a museum setting.
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Iconic full view

Marvel at the golden glow and crowded procession. Gentile transforms the biblical story into a magnificent courtly pageant, where faith meets wealth and power.

Close-up of the Magi

Notice the richly dressed kings, each representing a different age of man. Their expressive gestures and flowing fabrics bring elegance and movement to the sacred scene.

Gold leaf detailing

Look closely at the halos and garments. The tooled gold leaf shimmers under changing light, a technique that made this altarpiece one of Florence’s most dazzling treasures.

Exotic animals

From camels to leopards, the animals reflect Florence’s global trade connections. They add richness and narrative depth to the Magi’s long journey.

Predella panels

Beneath the main scene, smaller panels narrate episodes like the Flight into Egypt. These intimate vignettes balance the grandeur above with tender storytelling.

Background journey

Trace the winding path behind the figures. You’ll see the Magi’s entire trip depicted in miniature, from setting out to kneeling before the Child.

Frequently asked questions about Adoration of the Magi by Gentile Fabriano

No. Entry is included with a standard Uffizi Gallery ticket.

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