Artwork

Copy after the Preaching of St. John the Baptist, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)

Copy after the Preaching of St. John the Baptist, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence) is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Domenico Ghirlandaio. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 19th‑century watercolour reproduces a scene originally painted by Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel of Santa Maria Novella, Florence. Executed by Cesare Mariannecci, the work captures Saint John the Baptist delivering a sermon from a rocky ledge, surrounded by an attentive crowd, while a figure in blue stands on a distant hill.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents John the Baptist addressing a mixed group of listeners, some seated, others standing, all focused on his preaching. In the background, a solitary figure in a blue and green robe—identified as Christ—observes the gathering from an elevated position, linking the earthly sermon to its spiritual significance.

Technique & Style

Mariannecci employed watercolor to translate the original fresco’s complex arrangement, preserving the varied lighting across faces that creates a subtle chiaroscuro effect. The medium allows delicate washes that differentiate the illuminated foreground from the more muted background, while retaining the bustling detail of the original composition.

History & Provenance

The copy was commissioned by the Arundel Society, an organization dedicated to disseminating Renaissance art. In 1867 it was reproduced as a chromolithograph, expanding its reach. The National Gallery in London acquired the watercolor in 1995, where it remains in the collection.

Context

Ghirlandaese’s fresco originally formed part of a narrative cycle in the Tornabuoni Chapel, illustrating key moments from the life of Saint John the Baptist. Mariannecci’s 19th‑century rendition reflects the period’s interest in documenting and sharing Renaissance masterpieces beyond their original settings.

Artist & collection

Artist

Domenico Ghirlandaio

Domenico di Tommaso Curradi di Doffo Bigordi (2 June 1448 – 11 January 1494), professionally known as Domenico Ghirlandaio (also spelt as Ghirlandajo), was an Italian Renaissance painter born in Florence.