Nativity of John the Baptist 1450

"Nativity of John the Baptist" (c. 1450), housed at the Hermitage Museum, depicts the birth of John the Baptist. The Orthodox Icon style is characterized by its flatness and lack of perspective, creating a symbolic space rather than a realistic one. The composition focuses on the central figure of Elizabeth, John the Baptist's mother, with figures arranged around her in a symmetrical fashion. The use of rich colors and gold accents emphasizes the divine nature of the event.