“The Birth of John the Baptist” is a religious oil painting on canvas by the renowned Mannerist artist Tintoretto, created around the year 1554. As a prominent piece from the Late Renaissance period, it measures 181 x 266 cm and is housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
The artwork vividly portrays the New Testament scene of the birth of John the Baptist. The composition is rich with figures, emphasizing a nurturing scene with various women, possibly midwives or attendants, gathered around the newborn child. The figures are adorned in garments that reflect intricate details and vibrant colors, a characteristic of the Mannerist style. The scene unfolds in a domestic interior, with a background comprising architectural elements such as stairs and a curtained bed, adding depth to the composition. In the upper right, an elderly man, likely Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, is distinguishable by his gesture and gaze. The expressive interaction among the figures and the dynamic arrangement of their stances and gazes guide the viewer through the narrative of the scene, evoking a sense of movement and devotion.