The Birth of Saint John the Baptist c. 1525

"The Birth of Saint John the Baptist," created in the 16th century by an anonymous artist, depicts a moment of intense anticipation and celebration. The relief sculpture, crafted in wood and gilded with gold, showcases a lively scene where women gather around a newly born baby, John the Baptist. The central figure, a woman holding the infant, gestures towards the foreground where another woman stirs a pot over a fire. The rich detail and dramatic composition characteristic of the Renaissance style, combined with the religious subject matter, suggest this piece was likely intended for a devotional context. The artwork is currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago.