Saint John the Baptist

Ugolino di Nerio (active c. 1317–1327) was one of the principal followers of Duccio di Buoninsegna and a leading master of the Sienese school. This 'Saint John the Baptist' from around 1325, now at the Gemaldegalerie Berlin, likely formed part of a polyptych altarpiece — such panels of individual saints flanked a central Madonna or Crucifixion in the standard format of Trecento Sienese altarpieces. Ugolino maintained the lyrical elegance of Duccio's style while adding his own distinctive intensity of expression.

Executed in egg tempera and gold leaf on wood panel, the painting features the characteristically refined Sienese palette with rich ultramarine blue, vermilion, and luminous gold ground. The Baptist's gaunt features and ascetic form are rendered with precise linear drawing and subtle tonal modeling.