The adoration of the kings - 1440-6 by Atelier Liesjes

About "The adoration of the kings - 1440-6"

by Atelier Liesjes

About the artwork

The three kings worship the infant Jesus after his birth, on his lap with his mother Mary at the stable.

This brilliantly colored, richly decorated circular panel presents a beautiful vision of the arrival of the Magi, accompanied by a courtly entourage.

Fra Angelico was a Dominican known for his great monastic devotion; his holy attitude is reflected in the quiet piety of his paintings. The depiction of the Virgin Mary here characterizes his style in the pure, simple shape of her head and the gentle refinement of her features. Fra Filippo's earthy style appeals to the viewer in its depiction of solid forms and well-articulated figures. In the Adoration, the richly dressed wise men and their servants, as well as the wide-eyed Joseph beside the Virgin, are usually attributed to him.

Although several elements of the painting can be seen as symbolic - the peacock, for example, was considered a symbol of immortality - the Adoration can also be easily appreciated for its sparkling color, exquisite detail and festive gaiety.

Fra Filippo Lippi (Florence, circa 1406 - Spoleto, circa Oct. 8, 1469), also known as Lippo Lippi, was one of the most important Florentine painters of the Early Renaissance.

Fra Giovanni Angelico Da Fiesole (Vicchio (Florence), circa 1395[1] - Rome, Feb. 18, 1455), better known as Fra Angelico (the "Angelic Friar") or Beato Angelico ("Blessed Angelic") was a famous 15th-century painter-friar in Florence during the Italian Renaissance. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982.