Anbetung der Könige

Francesco Francia painted this Adoration of the Kings around 1490 in Bologna, where he was the city's undisputed leading painter. Francia's gentle, luminous style and his ability to compose harmonious multi-figure scenes made his altarpieces immensely popular across Emilia-Romagna. His treatment of the Epiphany subject reflects the courtly elegance and devotional serenity that characterize his mature work. This work belongs to the High Renaissance, when the innovations of the preceding century were synthesized into works of monumental clarity and ideal beauty.

Oil on panel with Francia's characteristic luminous palette and graceful figure arrangement. The magi's rich costumes provide opportunities for the decorative detail that recalls Francia's origins as a goldsmith.