Sassetta (Italian, Siena or Cortona ca. 1400–1450 Siena) – The Journey of the Magi Metropolitan Museum: part 2

The composition presents a procession ascending a gentle slope towards a distant walled city. A group of figures on horseback dominates the central space; they are arranged in a linear perspective that emphasizes their movement toward the background. The riders are clad in varied garments – red, pink, blue, and brown – suggesting diverse origins or social standing. Their expressions are largely neutral, focused forward as if absorbed in their journey.
To the left of the procession, a smaller group is gathered around a laden table, seemingly preparing for departure or offering sustenance to those who have already begun their trek. Dogs are present near this gathering, adding a touch of domesticity and perhaps symbolizing loyalty or companionship. The landscape itself is rendered with a stylized quality; the hills are depicted in muted greens and browns, while the sky is a deep blue punctuated by small, dark shapes that might be birds in flight.
The artist has placed a single star prominently on the right side of the composition, radiating light onto the snow-covered ground below. A dead bird lies near this celestial marker, an unusual detail that introduces an element of melancholy or foreshadowing. The walled city in the distance is rendered with a pinkish hue and appears somewhat idealized, suggesting a destination of significance – perhaps representing spiritual fulfillment or divine grace.
Subtleties within the scene hint at deeper meanings beyond a simple narrative depiction. The varied attire of the travelers could symbolize the universality of faith, encompassing individuals from different backgrounds united by a shared purpose. The inclusion of animals, both domesticated and wild, suggests a connection to nature and a sense of earthly existence alongside the spiritual quest. The dead bird near the star introduces an unsettling note – a reminder of mortality or sacrifice within the context of devotion. Ultimately, the painting conveys a sense of pilgrimage, not merely as a physical journey but also as a symbolic representation of seeking enlightenment or encountering the divine.