Period: Gothic
Date: possibly ca. 1320
Collection: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Object no.: 436504

The Adoration of the Magi

Giotto di Bondone, possibly ca. 1320

Gold-ground panel with the three kings before a stable, one kneeling and lifting the Christ Child from the Virgin’s lap

Maker: Giotto di Bondone
Date: possibly ca. 1320
Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
Dimensions: 45.1 × 43.8 cm
Period: Gothic

Why it matters

This panel belongs to a series of seven scenes from the Life of Christ now divided among several museums. The stable is seen from slightly below, the figures have the columnar solidity associated with Giotto, and the kneeling king lifts the Child from his mother’s lap while she looks on with evident concern. The date and the extent of Giotto’s own hand in the series have been discussed at length.

The Met collection record Explore Giotto di Bondone