Renaissance Art at the National Gallery: The Adoration of the Magi

Today we continued our study of Renaissance art by examining the stunningly beautiful Adoration of the Magi, by Fra Angelico and Filippo Lippi.

The students discussed a number of Renaissance characteristics of Adoration of the Magi, including:

• The use of linear perspective to create a sense of depth and space
• The realistic portrayal of human bodies
• The many different expressions and emotions of the people in the painting
• The outdoor setting and abundance of animal life
• The vivid colors
• The incredible range of movement by the animals and people

The students pointed out all kinds of fantastic details in this painting. For example:

Zach contrasted the dynamic movement in Adoration with the no-nonsense, stiff-limbed "security officers" in medieval paintings (I love Zach's analogy to security officers).

Marin pointed out the subtle golden halos surrounding the three kings.

Bertie noticed the smiling black horse near the center of the painting (this horse has become an early contender for "Most Valuable Animal" for this year's Leonardo Awards).