Adoration of the Magi (altar of the Madonna in San Bernardino in Verona) Giovanni Francesco Caroto (1480-1555)

The composition presents a scene centered around a central group of figures, illuminated against a darker background. A woman, draped in blue and red robes, holds a small infant in her arms. To her left stands a bearded man, clad in earth-toned garments, his posture suggesting both protectiveness and reverence. Kneeling before them is an older man, richly dressed in brown and gold, his face turned downwards in apparent adoration. He appears to be offering gifts or gestures of respect.
Several other figures populate the right side of the scene. These individuals, presumably the Magi, are depicted on horseback, accompanied by attendants and camels laden with goods. Their attire suggests a range of social status and origin, contributing to a sense of diverse homage. The landscape behind them is rendered in a more distant perspective, featuring a walled city atop a hill, hinting at a broader geographical context for this encounter. A star shines brightly above the scene, drawing the eye upwards and reinforcing the sacred nature of the event.
The artist’s use of light and shadow creates a dramatic effect, highlighting the central figures while obscuring details in the background. The color palette is dominated by warm tones – browns, golds, reds – which contribute to a sense of richness and solemnity. The positioning of the figures suggests a hierarchical arrangement: the woman and child are placed at the focal point, commanding attention, while the kneeling figure emphasizes humility and devotion.
Beyond the literal depiction of the adoration, there is an underlying narrative about power, faith, and cultural exchange. The inclusion of diverse individuals – the Magi from afar, the local figures – suggests a universal appeal of the event being portrayed. The walled city in the background could symbolize both earthly authority and the potential for integration into a larger world order through acceptance of this divine child. The overall impression is one of reverence, wonder, and the convergence of disparate elements under a shared spiritual experience.