Who painted Madonna with child and Saint John the Baptist?

Madonna with child and Saint John the Baptist was painted by Pietro Perugino in 1499.

Where can I see Madonna with child and Saint John the Baptist?

Madonna with child and Saint John the Baptist is held by Städel Museum.

What movement is Madonna with child and Saint John the Baptist?

Madonna with child and Saint John the Baptist is associated with High Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Madonna with child and Saint John the Baptist?

Museum-quality prints of Madonna with child and Saint John the Baptist are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Madonna with child and Saint John the Baptist

Pietro Perugino , 1499

Madonna with child and Saint John the Baptist is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Pietro Perugino. It dates from 1499 and is held in the collection of the Städel Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1497, this oil painting on oak panel by the Italian Renaissance artist Perugino is presently housed in Frankfurt’s Städel Museum. The composition presents a seated Virgin with the infant Christ and a youthful John the Baptist, set against a muted, atmospheric backdrop that emphasizes the figures’ devotional presence.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is the Virgin Mary, depicted in a dark cloak over a red dress, cradling a chubby infant Jesus who reaches toward her arm. To her left stands a young John the Baptist, identifiable by his gesture toward a scroll‑like object, symbolizing his future prophetic role. The golden halo surrounding Mary signals her sanctity within the Christian tradition.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on a seasoned oak panel, the work showcases Perugino’s characteristic soft modeling and delicate coloration. The figures are rendered with gentle chiaroscuro, while the background recedes into a hazy gray, creating a sense of depth without distracting from the intimate grouping. The smooth brushwork and balanced composition reflect the High Renaissance emphasis on harmony.

History & Provenance

The painting was likely commissioned for a private devotional setting in the late 15th century. After changing hands among various collectors, it entered the Städel Museum’s collection in the early 20th century, where it remains a representative example of Perugino’s mature output.

Context

During the 1490s, Perugino was a leading figure in the Umbrian school, influencing contemporaries such as Raphael. This work exemplifies the period’s shift toward serene, idealized religious imagery, integrating classical compositional principles with devotional iconography common in late medieval and early Renaissance art.