Adoration of the Magi

Hi everyone! My name is Isabella, and I'm so excited to show you a really cool painting! It's called "Adoration of the Magi," and it's super old – it was painted way back in 1755! It's like a time machine that takes us back to a different world. nn Does anyone know what a Magi is? (Pause for answers). That's right! They were wise men who traveled a long way to see baby Jesus. This painting shows them giving him presents. nn

Look closely at the painting. See all the colors? There are lots of warm browns and golds, like yummy chocolate and shiny coins! But there are also cool blues and whites in the sky and Mary's dress. It's like a beautiful rainbow of colors all mixed together. What are your favorite colors in the painting? nn

See the baby Jesus? He's right in the middle, snuggled up with Mary and Joseph. The Magi are kneeling down, giving him gifts. And look around them! There are lots of other people, too. Shepherds, and helpers. It's like a big party! Can you spot all the people? nn

But look at where they are! They're in the middle of some old, broken buildings. These are Roman ruins – imagine how old they are! It's like the painting is showing us two different times at once: the time of baby Jesus, and a time long, long ago. What do you think about having the baby Jesus in such an old place? nn

This artist, Giovanni Paolo Panini, was really clever! He made the painting look so real, like we could almost walk right into it. He used light and shadow to make everything look three-dimensional. It's like magic! What do you think makes the painting look so real? nn

This painting is really big! It's almost as tall as you are! It's a wonderful example of art from a long time ago. I hope you enjoyed seeing it as much as I enjoyed showing it to you! Do you have any questions? nn