But it should be understood that almost nothing is known about Botticelli and the origin of his pictures.

At Piero's request Botticelli painted the "Adoration of the Magi" (No.

1286) which was to hang in S.Maria Novella as an offering of gratitude for Piero's escape from the conspiracy of Luca Pitti in 1466.

Piero had but just succeeded to Cosimo when Pitti, considering him merely an invalid, struck his blow.

By virtue largely of the young Lorenzo's address the attack miscarried: hence the presence of Lorenzo in the picture, on the extreme left, with a sword.