Giovanni Battista Ricci, although an artist of Lombard origins, appears to have developed his mature style based on the traditions of late Roman Mannerism. Numerous decorations by Ricci of religious themes can be found in Rome, notably in the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and St. John Lateran Basilica. The Reilly Adoration of the Magi is a preparatory study for Ricci's fresco in Cappella Maggiore of San Marcello al Corso. The Adoration of the Magi fresco, which probably dates from circa 1597, is part of a series the artist completed for the church. Another related study, perhaps more of an initial idea for the design, is in the Cabinet des Dessins of the Louvre. The present drawing, with its vertical format, dense compositional space, and complex placement of figures and architecture, is much closer to the completed painting.

from Spiro, Master Drawings: Recent Gifts from the John D. Reilly Collection (Notre Dame, 2001)