The Adoration of the Magi

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This depiction of the Adoration of the Magi is an elaborate altarpiece crafted by renowned Florentine sculptor Andrea della Robbia (1435-1525). Andrea inherited his family's workshop from his celebrated uncle, Luca della Robbia, who pioneered a technique for applying tin glazes to terracotta, mimicking those used by skilled potters. This innovative approach produced vibrant, long-lasting sculptures at an affordable price. The technique involved assembling larger sculptures in sections, allowing them to fit within the kiln for firing. The captivating scene unfolds in a serene landscape, showcasing the Three Kings and their attendants as they present gifts to the Holy Family. Andrea's sculpture shares similarities with contemporary painting, yet certain colours like red cannot be achieved through tin-glaze. The coat-of-arms of the Albizzi family adorns the frame, suggesting that this altarpiece was commissioned by them for a nearby church in Florence. As candlelight danced across the chapel, the shiny surface of the altarpiece would have come alive, immersing the viewer in its beauty.