Commissioned for the main altar in the church of the Spedale degli Innocenti by Francesco di Giovanni Tesori, the prior of the orphanage. The altarpiece was installed in 1488. The scenes of the predella, which the contract left up to Fra Bernardo, are the work of one of Ghirlandaio's pupils, Bartolommeo di Giovanni.
The great cornice of the altarpiece, destroyed in a restoration of 1786, was executed by the carpenter Francesco Bartolo to designs by Giuliano da Sangallo.
The artist gazes out at the spectator from the picture. It is thought that the churchman dressed in black in front of him is Francesco di Giovanni Tesori.
The grandeur of the great occasions, associated with the Magi, that were frequented by the richest citizens of Florence is reflected in the lavish oriental costumes. These three men's heads appear to be portraits, but can no longer be identified.

Painted in commemoration of the victory of Francesco Gonzaga, Marquess of Mantua, at the battle of Fornovo. The battle, in 1495, was fought between the armies of Charles VIII of France and The League of Venice.
Charles VIII had invaded Italy in 1494. The speed and violence of his campaign indicated that, unless he was stopped, Italy would soon be another province of France.
On 31 March 1495 the Holy League was proclaimed in Venice. The League engaged Francesco Gonzaga to gather an army and expel the French from Italy.
A Venetian fleet blocked Charles's escape via the port of Genoa, and on 6 July 1495, at Fornovo, Gonzaga's army defeated the French.