(Photo provided)

By DARLA MCCAMMON,
Lakeland Art Association

The third Christmas themed painting(s) we are viewing this week isThe Procession of the Magi painted by Renaissance master, Benozzo Gozzoli in 1459. We are looking at only one panel of a large set of frescoes that were installed in the Magi Chapel in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi of Florence Italy. Gozzoli intertwined much that was at that time current, especially the people of the Medici family, with his interpretation of this magnificent event. 

You will notice our traditional view of three wise men of varying ancestry, riding on three camels is non-existent in this work. Others have remarked how the landscape itself resembles more closely work done by Netherland artist Bruegel (we looked at his work last week). It is also rather familiar to viewers as the land surrounding Florence. The retinue or entourage is much larger than normally depicted on our Christmas cards. Historians do argue that it had to be larger and certainly included many supporting personnel to accomplish this enormous cross-country trek.

The work in these frescoes is intricate and has a great deal of gold touches, an indication of the fine goldsmith work done by Gozzoli prior to his movement into paint and brushes. We are viewing the youngest king (Caspar) as portrayed by Gozzoli. Caspar is astride the white horse nearest the center of the painting.  You can see various faces of the Medici family in all these frescoes but they are generally transplanted onto figures further in the background.  The artist himself is portrayed on a white horse with his name imprinted on the red hat Gozzoli is wearing.  As you can see, the detail in this work of art could take days to enjoy. If you love puzzles, this work continues to provide interesting meanings and hidden faces.

This work was commissioned by the Medici family leader Cosimo I and was installed in what was then a private chapel for their family only. It is now available for public viewing and the chapel itself is exquisitely ornate and lovely. 

It is interesting that we do not see donkeys or camels or beasts of burden laden with the valuable treasures that were the reason for the Magi to make this trip which started out in Jerusalem. There are choirs of angels on other walls, and all three kings are depicted in separate frescoes. The paintings are very crowded with detail, but the treasures seem to be well-hidden. Do you see them anywhere? What painting will adorn these pages next week?  Do you have a guess? Hope your Christmas shopping includes a moment of reflection about this very special season.     

Upcoming and Current Events:

The Kim Rieff exhibit is now up and hanging at Warsaw City Hall. Rieff is an excellent artist and directs and teaches art at Grace College. Come see her vivid and beautiful work. You can visit this gallery from 8am to 4:30 pm daily.  Main Floor.

Lakeland Art Gallery: Christmas Boutique is now open.  Enjoy the fun and surprise someone with an original gift this Christmas.  Hours are: Wednesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LAA is located at 107 N. 1st St. Pierceton, IN 46562 or www.lakelandartassociation.org. LAA is Also on Facebook. Contact your author/artist Darla McCammon at email: [email protected]. Or website at www.darlamc.com or you can Facebook a connection at darmccammon .