The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, Giovanni di Paolo, tempera on panel, Italy ca. 1455-1460, Art Institute, Chicago.
Saint John the Baptist was an extremely important religious prophet, also known as John the Immerser in some Baptist Christian customs and John the Forerunner in Christianity. This piece is one of six works portraying scenes from his life. It is believed that it derived from a large group of 12, most likely forming the doors of a shrine to the saint. The first work in the series shows John, leaving society. Multiple buildings and agricultural areas can be viewed as he is seen entering the wild to develop into a hermit. In the second piece, John is seen deeply delving into his new lifestyle, as he announces that Jesus is the ultimate savior predicted as the agnus dei, or the Lamb of God. The following few show his imprisonment and final destination in the capture of Herod. Giovanni di Paolo portrayed the saint's life in an extremely complex way while utilizing expressive images, environments, and figures. Movement is captured extremely well, giving the viewer a doorway to the creative mind and stylization of Paolo.
Comments