The artwork titled “The Naming of St. John the Baptist,” created by Fra Angelico between 1434 and 1435, is a religious painting executed using tempera on a panel. It belongs to the Early Renaissance art movement and is currently housed in the Basilica di San Marco in Florence, Italy.
In this artwork, Fra Angelico masterfully conveys a serene and intimate moment from religious history. St. John the Baptist, cradled in the arms of a woman believed to be his mother, Elizabeth, is the central figure around which this delicate scene unfolds. Surrounding them are figures dressed in finely detailed attire, rendered in soft, harmonious colors that highlight Angelico’s skill in rendering texture and drapery. The architectural background, featuring a modest structure and an arch, leads the viewer’s gaze toward the central figures, adding depth and perspective. The overall composition is gracefully balanced, typical of the Early Renaissance style, reflecting the period’s emphasis on naturalism and humanism in religious contexts.
