Panel with the Birth of St. John the Baptist from Retable 15th century

"Panel with the Birth of St. John the Baptist from Retable" was created by Domingo Ram around the turn of the 16th century. Painted during the Spanish Renaissance, this panel provides a window into the domestic and spiritual lives of the period. Notice the figures surrounding St. Elizabeth who has just given birth. These are women, highlighting the central role they played in childbirth and early infant care. We see a clear hierarchy with St. Elizabeth in the center and the servants on the periphery. The use of gold leaf to denote holiness contrasts with the very human scene playing out. It is a complex vision of the sacred made real through very earthly and gendered experiences. The painting reflects the cultural norms around women's roles while elevating it to religious significance. The scene offers insight into the negotiation of power, faith, and the everyday lives of women in Renaissance society, a world in transition.