The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
Giovanni di Paolo·1455–60
Historical Context
This panel depicting the beheading of John the Baptist is part of Giovanni di Paolo's celebrated predella series illustrating the life of the saint, painted between 1455 and 1460 for a Sienese church. Giovanni di Paolo was the most distinctive Sienese painter of the 15th century, maintaining the city's Gothic traditions while incorporating elements of the International Style. The narrative cycle is remarkable for its vivid storytelling and imaginative spatial compositions.
Technical Analysis
Giovanni di Paolo's tempera technique employs jewel-like colors and precise linear drawing characteristic of the Sienese school. The gold ground and decorative patterning reflect Gothic traditions, while the spatial arrangement shows awareness of contemporary Florentine perspective without fully adopting it.
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.
