Triptych
between circa 1463 and circa 1464
Andrea Mantegna, a Renaissance master obsessed with perspective and ancient Rome, packed three major biblical scenes into this stunning triptych. On the left, Christ ascends into a cloudy sky while apostles gaze upward in awe; in the center, the Magi arrive at a rocky cave with a bustling caravan of camels; and on the right, a solemn ceremony unfolds in a lavishly decorated, classical temple complete with a checkered floor. Mantegna's incredible attention to architectural detail and dramatic landscapes makes this piece a true showcase of his genius, originally created for a church altar before finding its permanent home in Florence's famous Uffizi Gallery.
Location: Uffizi Gallery, Florence