The Adoration of the Magi

ca. 1460
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 537
Giovanni di Paolo’s talents as a miniaturist are seen to advantage in this enchanting painting from the base (predella) of an altarpiece. The artist gives the story a distinctly human touch: the young king congratulates the aged Joseph while the middle-aged king doffs his crown. For more information about this painting, and other panels from the altarpiece, visit its collection record at The Met website.

This painting was seized by the Nazis from the collection of Oscar Bondy (1870–1944) in 1938 and was restituted to his widow, Elisabeth Bondy, by 1949.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Adoration of the Magi
  • Artist: Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) (Italian, Siena 1398–1482 Siena)
  • Date: ca. 1460
  • Medium: Tempera and gold on wood
  • Dimensions: 10 5/8 x 9 1/8 in. (27 x 23.2 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982
  • Object Number: 1982.60.4
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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