Martyrdom of San Giovanni Battista

The action filled painting by captivating artist Masaccio, showcases a violent scene within the 15th century painting

Six prominent male figures are showcased within the artwork displaying a battle. The artist is most prominently known as the father of Renaissance art, most famously known for depicting biblical scenes of the Roman Catholic religion that was popular at the time in Italy.

The artist had shifted his artwork away from showcasing scenes of holy figures towards displaying a battle that had taken place against Jesus Christ.

Based on the artwork, it seems that five strong figures are torturing Jesus as he bends to his knees. The father of the catholic religion kneels as he places his hands together near his face in the sign of the cross. The interesting element to note within the painting is that Masaccio still displayed a halo around JesusÕs head, making the distinction that he is a holy entity. Jesus seems seized within his own religion in prayer, too consumed to notice the brutal events that are occurring to him.

The five men gather around him as he kneels in a dark black top and burgundy shawl. His thick brown hair covers his face while his beard flows downwards. The man to he direct left of him wears a light orange textile cinched at the waist with a white under garment beneath. The man holds as one of the focal points of the artwork as he stands with a knife above his head preparing to stab Jesus.

This violent act towards the head of the religion is not met with self-defence, yet rather the holy figure remaining calm as he prays. This captivating scene is perhaps the symbolism behind the artwork as Jesus turns to his faith rather than violence against others.

The viewer is able to witness that the scene is set outside as stone fills the ground alongside carved buildings. Large blocks of stone surround the right side of the artwork showcasing the rural setting, yet paired with industrialized buildings. The artist had illustrated a small glimpse of the light blue sky within the background of the artwork, adding a cooler feel to the artwork.

A gold colour bowl lies across the floor as JesusÕs water bowl while the religious figure was captured. This object allows for the viewer to have a stronger understanding of the scene and what is exactly occurring within the painting.

Two male figures stand near the back of the painting as they hold bright orange-red fabrics covering the violent act towards Jesus. The embarrassment of the man on the left illustrates his emotion towards what is occurring to the religious entity, as he covers the scene from others. The man to his left carries an altered emotion as he covers the violent act with the cloth but is turned away as he views that no one is witnessing what is occurring.

Masaccio had displayed these two altered figures in the background of the artwork in order to up rise an array of different emotions and symbols behind the artwork.