BOTTICELLI, Sandro
(b. 1444, Firenze, d. 1510, Firenze)

The Punishment of Korah and the Stoning of Moses and Aaron (detail)

1481-82
Fresco
Cappella Sistina, Vatican

In the central scene Aaron's sons and the sons of Levi are sacrificing in competition with him; Aaron himself is dressed in blue robes and is wearing a blue and gold hat which is similar to the papal tiara. Struck by their censers, they are being forced to the ground by the power of God, called on by Moses.

The principal message of the scenes depicted in the fresco is made manifest by the inscription in the central field of the triumphal arch: "Let no man take the honour to himself except he that is called by God, as Aaron was." The fresco thus holds a warning that God's punishment will fall upon those who oppose God's appointed leaders. Apart from the different inscription and less lavish decoration, the triumphal arch is an almost exact copy of the Roman Arch of Constantine.