This is a painting of a religious scene with two distinct panels. In the top panel, a figure is reclining in a bed, with a halo, while another haloed figure sits nearby, and a third figure tends to a cradle holding an infant. The bottom panel shows a seated figure writing in a book with an attentive audience of figures standing before him. The style resembles a medieval manuscript illumination, with vivid colors, gold accents, and intricate detailing on the garments and background. The painting uses an architectural framework motif to divide the two narrative scenes. The color palette includes deep reds, blues, and golds, and the background is patterned.
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This is a painting of a religious scene with two distinct panels. In the top panel, a figure is reclining in a bed, with a halo, while another haloed figure sits nearby, and a third figure tends to a cradle holding an infant. The bottom panel shows a seated figure writing in a book with an attentive audience of figures standing before him. The style resembles a medieval manuscript illumination, with vivid colors, gold accents, and intricate detailing on the garments and background. The painting uses an architectural framework motif to divide the two narrative scenes. The color palette includes deep reds, blues, and golds, and the background is patterned.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Birth and Naming of John the Baptist

Italian 13th Century

Date
late 13th century
Medium
miniature on vellum
Dimensions
overall: 22.1 x 15.8 cm (8 11/16 x 6 1/4 in.)
Classification
Drawing · Miniature
Accession number
1950.1.7
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
before 1300
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Initial F from a Choir Book (Antiphonary?)

Subjects and terms

  • Bolognese
  • saints
  • religious
  • John the Baptist
  • Abruzzi

NGA object ID 37043. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.