Description
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Adoration of the Magi is a small but exceptionally rich narrative panel that once belonged to a dispersed series illustrating the life of Christ. Within a surface only about forty-five centimeters high, Giotto combines two episodes associated with Christ's manifestation: the Adoration of the Magi in the foreground and the Annunciation to the Shepherds above.
The principal action unfolds before a wooden stable constructed with a striking sense of depth. Mary reclines inside it, while Joseph stands at the left receiving one of the gifts. The three Magi occupy the foreground and are differentiated by crowns, garments and gestures. The oldest king kneels and performs the unusual action of lifting the Christ Child from the manger.





