Just a bit of history before we feast tonight: The intense commercialism of the season has a long legacy going back to the 15th century when art patrons were crazy for paintings that showed the Adoration of the Magi. A strong trade in textiles, silks and other luxury goods had developed, especially between Italy and Northern Europe and the gifts of the Magi became an extraordinary way to illustrate all the most beautiful things and even the merchants themselves. Benozzo Gozzolis Adoration of the Magi (1460) done for a Medici patron is one of the most outrageous and beautiful examples. It even includes a Renaissance selfie of Gozzoli with a figure in the background making duck lips.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 22:28:20 +0000