Dawn N. Amos
Michaelia Black
MUS 180
June 14, 2010
I have read and understand the plagiarism policy as outlined in the syllabus and the sections in the Student Bulletin relating to the IWU Honesty/Cheating Policy. By affixing this statement to the title page of my paper, I certify that I have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of completing this assignment. If it is found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the writing of this paper, I understand the possible consequences of the act/s, which could include expulsion from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Adoration of the Magi
Adoration of the Magi by Sandro Botticelli is a Renaissance painting located in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence Italy. Botticelli painted many of these adoration paintings on commission but the Adoration of the Magi seems to be the most popular. This painting is on a wooden altarpiece and shows different people looking at one another with different expressions on their face. Botticelli is in the bottom right hand corner looking you the observer.
The painting is Tempera on Wood and uses distinct bright colors to represent the wealth of the people who are in it. This adoration has biblical connotations and uses historical traditions for example making the Virgin Mary where a blue cloak. All of the figures were designed to create geometric design on the panel. Botticelli does not pay much attention to linear texture. This painting was commissioned for a funerary chapel in the church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence.
The bright vivid colors attracted me to this work; I found it interesting how the artist played off of mostly reds and blues and I liked how my attention was immediately drawn to the center of the painting. All of the people seemed to be involved in the miraculous birth of the Jesus. The greatest aesthetic strength of this painting is its use of vivid color, the aesthetic weakness I found was the lack of the artistic use of shadow. I believe this piece does have lasting value; it is undoubtedly a beautiful piece of art and has stood the test of time as a masterpiece. The painting has particular cultural significance to the city of Florence in Italy. It shows how this particular class of Florentines dressed and looked.
Botticelli’s Adoration of the Magi is a beautiful painting depicting a noble Florentine family. It takes a historical moment (the birth of Jesus Christ) and incorporates the patron’s images. I found this painting to be rich in color and detail and a window into the period in which the patrons lived.
References
Wold, M., Martin, G., Miller, J., & Cykler, E. (1996). An Introduction to Music and Art in the Western World. McGraw Hill.
References: Wold, M., Martin, G., Miller, J., & Cykler, E. (1996). An Introduction to Music and Art in the Western World. McGraw Hill.
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