Saints John the Baptist and Matthew

Art Historical Context

In the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art,Saints John the Baptist Matthew* by Bicci di Lorenzo (. 1433) exemplifies the refined elegance of early Florentine Renaissance painting. Crafted in tempera on wood with shimmering gold ground—a hallmark of 15th-century Italian panel art—this vertical composition likely served as part of a devotional altarpiece or private chapel decoration. Saint John the Baptist, Florence's patron saint, appears dynamically with his traditional attributes like the lamb and staff, while Saint Matthew, the evangelist, holds his book and sword, symbolizing wisdom and martyrdom. Bicci di Lorenzo, a prominent second-generation Florentine artist trained under his father Lorenzo di Bicci, blended lingering International Gothic grace with emerging Renaissance naturalism. His delicate modeling of figures, intricate gold tooling, and vibrant colors reflect the era's technical mastery in tempera, where egg-based paint allowed for luminous, jewel-like effects on gilded surfaces. This piece captures the devotional fervor of Quattrocento Italy, where such saints invoked protection and piety for wealthy patrons. Measuring nearly four feet tall, the painting invites contemplation of Florence's spiritual heritage, bridging medieval tradition and humanistic innovation. A gem of the Lehman Collection since 1975, it offers visitors a window into the sacred artistry that adorned Renaissance homes and churches.

About the Artist

Bicci di Lorenzo · 1373–1452

Italian fresco painter, father of Neri di Bicci. Comment on works: religious