Adorazione dei Magi, 1552/’55 - Loreto
Adoration of the Magi, 1552/’55
Museo Pontificio Santa Casa, Loreto

It is considered a work of collaboration between the Lotto and his disciple Camillo Bagazzotti, and for this is of more modest quality than the others. Among the uncertainties of construction prevail the face that pops up from the right arm of St. Joseph which the repainting was not able to erase completely. In order also to isolate the group of the Holy Family, Melchior is forced to prostrate himself in an unlikely posture, after placing at the feet of the Child the crown and sword. The next king is about to do the same, takes off his crown as a gesture of respect. A popular core runs through the painting that is akin to the many predellas in which Lotto loved embody the taste of the story, the fairytale atmosphere, and the "German" school settings.