GOZZOLI, Benozzo
(b. ca. 1420, Firenze, d. 1497, Pistoia)

The Vigil of the Shepherds (left wall of the apse)

1459-60
Fresco
Chapel, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Florence

The narrow picture fields containing the shepherds, who are separated from the main events, act as theatrical backdrops. A link to the procession of the oldest king is created by the hill in the background, which should be seen as a continuation of the one behind which the vanguard is disappearing. The ox in the foreground is also gazing in the direction of the procession.