Artwork
Saint John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two Disciples
Saint John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two Disciples is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Giovanni di Paolo. It dates from 1458 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. This tempera on panel painting is one of a series depicting the life of Saint John the Baptist.
About this work
Overview
This tempera on panel painting is one of a series depicting the life of Saint John the Baptist. It shows the saint in prison, visited by two disciples.
Subject & Meaning
The scene illustrates a moment from the Baptist's life, where he is visited in prison by followers. The painting is part of a narrative sequence that recounts key events in the saint's biography, from his ascetic life to his imprisonment.
Technique & Style
The artist, Giovanni di Paolo, uses a small panel to create a detailed and patterned scene, incorporating checkered floors, striped robes, and grid-like prison bars. The use of tempera allows for intricate decoration that aids in storytelling.
History & Provenance
This panel was originally part of a group of 12 that may have formed the doors of a reliquary shrine dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The Art Institute holds six of these panels.
Context
The narrative sequence, to which this painting belongs, recounts the Baptist's life, emphasizing his role as a forerunner to Jesus and his ascetic, prophetic mission.
Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia was an Italian painter, working primarily in Siena, becoming a prolific painter and illustrator of manuscripts, including Dante's texts.
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