The two seem to be squaring off in generosity, each inviting the other to go before him to make obeisance.

The postures and figures in the crowd range of arrogance to humility. A figure on the left appears to be frowning haughtily at the scene before him as though he could not possibly give up his dignity to bow before such a poor family. The fact that the setting is shifted from Bethlehem to Italy, complete with realistic depiction of countryside, sky, history, and place shows how important it was for the artist to make this Scriptural story as much a part of the lives of the Florentines as could be possible. That is why Botticelli transports the setting of the Adoration from the Middle East to Italy -- to drive home both the idea that Jesus was born for all men and the idea that Florence is as great...
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