Adoration of the Magi

If you find yourself in Perugia, Italy, make sure to visit the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria to admire Pietro Perugino's stunning painting, "Adoration of the Magi." This masterpiece, believed to be one of Perugino's early works, dates back to the late 15th century. Originally commissioned for the church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Perugia, the painting was later relocated to the church of Santa Maria Nuova.

"Adoration of the Magi" beautifully captures the traditional nativity scene. On the right side, you’ll see a humble hut where the Virgin Mary tenderly holds baby Jesus, with St. Joseph standing by her side. On the left, there’s a lively procession of visitors, including the three magi presenting their gifts. The background features a rocky landscape painted with an impressive aerial perspective, adding depth to the scene.

An interesting detail is that the man on the far left might actually be a self-portrait of Perugino himself! You can also observe Perugino’s distinctive style, which reflects his early training in Verrocchio’s workshop. The characters display a robust, almost late-Gothic appearance, reminiscent of the works of Fiorenzo di Lorenzo. The masterful way Perugino blends the characters with the landscape also suggests the inspiration he drew from Piero della Francesca and Leonardo da Vinci.