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The Birth and Naming of Saint John the Baptist

ca. 1450–55
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 956
This panel combines two episodes: the birth of Saint John the Baptist and his naming by his father, Zacharias, portrayed writing in the foreground. Behind him, framed by delicate colonnettes, is Elizabeth, the cousin of the Virgin Mary, who reclines in bed, having just given birth to Saint John. Although the original location of the present painting is unknown, and it cannot be associated with any other known panels, it is likely that it formed part of a predella that portrayed scenes of the Life of Saint John the Baptist. Sano di Pietro’s panel was inspired by Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s fresco depicting the Birth of the Virgin (façade of the Spedale della Scala).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Birth and Naming of Saint John the Baptist
  • Artist: Sano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio) (Italian, Siena 1405–1481 Siena)
  • Date: ca. 1450–55
  • Medium: Tempera and gold on wood
  • Dimensions: Overall, with engaged (modern) frame: 9 5/8 × 18 7/8 in. (24.4 × 47.9 cm)
    painted surface: 8 1/8 × 16 7/8 in. (20.6 × 42.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.1.44
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

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Lobster-Tail Burgonet, Steel, leather, gold, North Italian
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Paradise, Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia) Italian, Tempera and gold on canvas, transferred from wood
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Madonna and Child, Benvenuto di Giovanni Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
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Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Cherubim, Sano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio) Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Two Cherubim
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