The Adoration of the Christ Child
circa 1500
Botticelli trades the mythological glamour of his famous 'Birth of Venus' for deep, somber devotion in this circular masterpiece. Here, the Holy Family is captured in a rare moment of quiet exhaustion: Mary prays fervently over the infant Jesus, while Joseph, looking utterly drained, dozes off with his head in his hand. This intimate scene reflects the artist's later years in Florence, heavily influenced by the fiery preacher Savonarola who urged a return to strict religious piety. The circular format, known as a tondo, was a fashionable choice for decorating the private chapels of wealthy families.
Location: Gemäldegalerie, Berlin
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