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Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

Taddeo Baldini XVII sec. d.C./ prima metà

The painting depicting the lifeless body of Saint John the Baptist beheaded by his executioner has been attributed to various authors: first to Matteo Rosselli, then to Alfonso Boschi and finally to his brother Francesco. According to more recent studies, the canvas may instead be the work of Taddeo Baldini, based on comparisons with other figures of his painted for churches in Florence and the countryside.

Technical information

Author: Taddeo Baldini
Title: Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
Date: XVII sec. d.C./ prima metà
Material and technique: Oil on canvas
Size: 135,5x103 cm
Location: Palazzo Pretorio Museum
Second Floor

Endowed with good technical skill and undoubted expertise in execution, Baldini was the author of both religious and secular paintings destined for Florence and its surroundings. He distinguished himself through a particular elegance of touch in keeping with the teachings of Rosselli and naturalistically oriented artists, in particular Giovanni Martinelli and Vincenzo Dandini. This painting stands out due to the theatrical power of its staging, marked by striking metallic tones. Quotations from Alessandro Allori are also discernible, especially evident in the precious colours and formal simplification of the female faces, while the overall composition may recall Caravaggio's Beheading of the Baptist, preserved in Malta.