The Beheading of John the Baptis 1465

Filippo Lippi's "The Beheading of John the Baptist" (1465) is a dramatic depiction of the biblical story of John the Baptist's execution. The scene is set in a richly detailed interior, with a central figure of a woman holding a platter with John the Baptist's severed head. The composition is dynamic, with figures arranged in a powerful diagonal line that leads the viewer's eye toward the gruesome climax. Lippi's masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of both tragedy and beauty, emphasizing the emotional impact of the event. This fresco, characteristic of the Early Renaissance, showcases Lippi's skill in depicting both human emotion and religious narrative.