Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Panel with Saint John the Baptist Enthroned from Retable by Domingo Ram

Domingo Ram · 1450-01-01

This "Panel with Saint John the Baptist Enthroned from Retable," painted by Domingo Ram around 1450, is a stunning example of 15th-century Iberian devotional art. It's now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

While Saint John's solemn face and vibrant red robes draw the eye, take a moment to look at the intricate details in the painting. From the gold trim on his robe to the subtle patterns in the dark background, every element was crafted with precision.

Originally, this panel was a component of a larger retable, a multi-paneled altarpiece. The tempera medium, common at the time, allowed for such fine detail and luminous, durable colors, contributing to the rich spiritual experience for worshippers.

What other hidden details do you notice in the gold work or the textiles?

Details

He is surrounded by rich colors and intricate details.
He is surrounded by rich colors and intricate details.
This panel was once part of a larger altarpiece.
This panel was once part of a larger altarpiece.
Look closely at the golden trim on his robe.
Look closely at the golden trim on his robe.
Even the dark background is not plain, but patterned.
Even the dark background is not plain, but patterned.
The radiating halo signifies his sainthood and divine connection, a common symbol in religious art.
The radiating halo signifies his sainthood and divine connection, a common symbol in religious art.
Transcript

Meet Saint John the Baptist, painted around 1450. He is surrounded by rich colors and intricate details. This panel was once part of a larger altarpiece. Look closely at the golden trim on his robe. Even the dark background is not plain, but patterned. This precise detail comes from the tempera paint used.