Procession of the Magi

Procession of the Magi, frescoes that cover the east, south, and west walls of the main room of the chapel in the Medici-Riccardi Palace in Florence, Italy, and were painted by early Italian Renaissance artist Benozzo Gozzoli in 1459–60. These complex and detailed paintings are considered Gozzoli’s masterpiece and, indeed, may be more famous than their creator.

Procession of the Magi, with one of the three Magi on each wall, is rich in detail, sumptuous color, and superb fictitious architectural structures. The cycle, categorized as International Gothic in style, was unusually lavish for Gozzoli, being markedly more ornate than the rest of his work. This reflected the expensive tastes of the powerful Medici family, whose portraits appear in the procession, alongside a portrait of the artist, on the wall depicting the journey of the youngest of the Magi. Spatially, the composition appears rather unresolved and the perspective unconvincing, although aesthetically the coloring and vivacious figures are compelling and create a patternlike effect through the cycle. The Magi proceed toward the altar painting, which is now a copy of Mystical Nativity by Fra Filippo Lippi.

Gozzoli had a long and prolific career, and, although his work did not have a particular influence on other artists, he was widely appreciated during his time. Interest in the artist was renewed in the 19th century.