SAN GIOVANNI BAPTIZZATO OPENING ON A FLORENTINE THEME

This study examines the depiction of the baptism of Saint John the Baptist performed by Jesus. Such an exceptional episode in the iconography of the patron of Florence is represented in the small baptistery font of the city dating from 1371 and in one of the silk embroideries of the liturgical vestments for the feast of the Baptist that were executed between 1466 and 1487 after designs by Antonio del Pollaiolo. A baptism of Saint John is rarely mentioned in Christian tradition; its inclusion among the context of depictions that within Florence celebrated the excellence of the Forerunner is indicative of the function of these images: namely, to legitimize the authority of the Arte di Calimala, the guild responsible for the management of the baptistery.

Automated summary

This study explores the depiction of the baptism of Saint John the Baptist by Jesus, which is represented in the small baptistery font of the city and in the silk embroideries of the liturgical vestments. The baptism of Saint John is rarely mentioned in Christian tradition, yet its inclusion in Florence's depictions celebrating the excellence of the Forerunner suggests a legitimizing function for the authority of the Arte di Calimala guild.