Historical Context and Commission
In 1481, Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned by the Augustinian monks of San Donato a Scopeto to create an altarpiece depicting the biblical scene known as the Adoration of the Magi—the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus, a popular subject in Christian art symbolizing the recognition of Christ by the Gentiles.
At this time, Leonardo was around 29 years old and had already gained attention for his extraordinary talent. The commission represented an important opportunity for him to establish his reputation in Florence, the vibrant cradle of Renaissance art and culture.
The Subject Matter: The Adoration of the Magi
The Adoration of the Magi traditionally illustrates the three Magi or Wise Men—Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar—offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn Jesus, who is held by the Virgin Mary. This event symbolizes the acknowledgment of Christ’s divinity by the wider world beyond Judaism.
Leonardo’s interpretation of the scene was innovative and complex, moving beyond a simple devotional image to a dynamic composition filled with symbolic and psychological depth. shutdown123