Ecce Agnus Dei
Giovanni di Paolo·1455–60
Historical Context
Ecce Agnus Dei ("Behold the Lamb of God") shows the Baptist's recognition of Christ, a pivotal moment from the Gospel of John. This panel from Giovanni di Paolo's Baptist cycle combines the narrative clarity expected of predella painting with the artist's uniquely expressive, almost visionary approach to sacred history. The Sienese tradition of narrative painting, stretching back to Duccio and the Lorenzetti, finds a late flowering in these works.
Technical Analysis
The tempera-on-panel technique achieves luminous color through carefully layered pigments over a prepared gold ground. Giovanni di Paolo's characteristic elongated figures are arranged with a flattened spatial sense that prioritizes narrative legibility and spiritual impact over naturalistic depth.
Provenance
Edourd Aynard, Lyons, by 1907 [see Perkins 1907]; sold Galerie Georges Petit, Paris, December 1–4, 1913 no. 51, to Kleinberger, Paris, as agent for Martin A. Ryerson (died 1932), Chicago, 1914 [an entry for June 18, 1914, in Ryerson’s notebook reads: “Bot [sic] of Kleinberter, Paris, 6 panels by Giovanni di Paolo (purchased by him at Aynard sale for 160 000 fr + 10%);” Art Institute Archives]; on loan to the Art Institute from 1914; bequeathed to the Art Institute, 1933.
See It In Person
More by Giovanni di Paolo
The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
Giovanni di Paolo·1455–60
Saint John the Baptist Entering the Wilderness
Giovanni di Paolo·1455–60
Saint John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two Disciples
Giovanni di Paolo·1455–60
Salome Asking Herod for the Head of Saint John the Baptist
Giovanni di Paolo·1455–60
