Adoration of the Magi – Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime – Trevi

The fresco, painted by Perugino inside the illustrious sanctuary of Madonna delle Lacrime in Trevi, in the second chapel on the right also known as “Chapel of the Nativity” or “Chapel of the Epiphany”, was commissioned by the rich local family Valenti, as attested by the presence of the family emblem in the lower surface of the arch above the scene. Besides, on the inner sides of the triumphal arch surrounding the fresco, Perugino depicts Saints Peter and Paul, which recall in their attitudes the character of Cato present at the Nobile Collegio del Cambio of Perugia, which Perugino frescoed more than twenty years before.

The scene of the Nativity fills the entire central space of the chapel, and recalls the same subject as depicted by Perugino in the Oratorio dei Bianchi of Città della Pieve. The Madonna is sitting on a throne, with the newborn Child on her knees. Jesus is adored by the Magi Kings and by the crowd of bystanders, the composition is monumental and extremely rigorous, thanks to the geometry of the hut that has the appearance of a stylized and robust wooden temple.

In the background, carrying out a delicate narrative, a flock of white sheep stands out in the valley between two small promontories, while some people on horseback are approaching to pay homage to the Saviour.

In the podium of the throne and in the green field, there are two inscriptions; the first is the painter’s signature: «PETRUS DE CASTRO PLEBIS PINXIT»; the second is a prayer to the Virgin, Queen of Heaven: «TU SOLA IN TERRIS GENITRIX ET VIRGO FUISTI / QUEEN IN CELIS TU QUOQUE SOLA MANES».

The work dates to the late works of the painter, with light colors given on the surface with diluted brushstrokes. The “T-shaped” brush marks on the sides of the painting reveales the wide use of preparatory drawings for the construction of the scene.

The painting is located at the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime.

Perugia, Adoration of the Magi, fresco, 1521-1522, Trevi, Sanctuary of Madonna delle Lacrime

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