Who painted Saints John the Baptist and Mathew?

Saints John the Baptist and Mathew was painted by Bicci di Lorenzo in 1433.

Where can I see Saints John the Baptist and Mathew?

Saints John the Baptist and Mathew is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Saints John the Baptist and Mathew?

Saints John the Baptist and Mathew is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

Saints John the Baptist and Mathew

Bicci di Lorenzo , 1433

Saints John the Baptist and Mathew is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Bicci di Lorenzo. It dates from 1433 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work exemplifies the early Renaissance shift toward more naturalistic representation while retaining the decorative elegance of earlier medieval art.

Created in 1433, this panel by Florentine painter Bicci di Lorenzo portrays two holy figures standing side by side against a gold background. The composition is framed by a pair of arches that rise behind their heads, lending a formal, reverent atmosphere. The work exemplifies the early Renaissance shift toward more naturalistic representation while retaining the decorative elegance of earlier medieval art.

Subject & Meaning

The figure on the left, identifiable by his red robe, staff and scroll, is Saint John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. The companion on the right, clad in blue over an orange tunic and holding a black book with gold accents, represents Saint Matthew, one of the Evangelists. Their juxtaposition underscores the link between prophetic witness and the written Gospel.

Technique & Style

Bicci employs tempera on panel, using fine brushwork to delineate the saints’ garments and facial features. Subtle modeling through chiaroscuro creates a gentle modeling of form, while the luminous gold ground provides a timeless, non‑spatial setting typical of early 15th‑century Florentine painting. The contrasting colors of the robes enhance each saint’s individual identity.

History & Provenance

Born in 1373 to the workshop of Lorenzo di Bicci, Bicci di Lorenzo inherited a family tradition that he later passed to his son Neri. After working in his father’s studio, he established his own practice in Florence, producing works for local churches and private patrons. The panel entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the 20th century, where it remains on display.