# Martyrdom of St John

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/martyrdom-of-st-john-r70b03fef325c62>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [DONATELLO](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592>)
- Date: 1401-1450
- Technique: Polychrome stucco, diameter 215 cm

## Commentary

In the pendentive roundels the harshness of the scheme is sharpened by a daring experiment in perspective which creates large spaces in which human figures and architectural details take on dramatic effects of light and shade. The Martyrdom of St John shows him, with his hands raised in prayer, in a cauldron of boiling oil, from which, according to tradition, he emerged unharmed. The events are unfolding amidst an asymmetrical architectural backdrop.

## Related artworks

- [Altarpiece with St John the Baptist](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/altarpiece-with-st-john-the-baptist-rad89c7607f8382>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/annunciation-detail-r38cca3bb451e1d>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/annunciation-detail-r415c66905fc38f>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/annunciation-detail-r4c202a3f185862>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/annunciation-detail-r924e0862e450de>)
- [Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/annunciation-detail-raf04f49d2650ac>)
- [Annunciation](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/annunciation-r26a007d13833a7>)
- [Annunciation](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/annunciation-r7ae97e234dc7e9>)
- [Annunciation](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/annunciation-r87e6303bcdf4a1>)
- [Annunciation](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/annunciation-r95a5a618465af6>)
- [Ascension of Christ](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/ascension-of-christ-rdddf847e3b4aa1>)
- [Ascension of St John](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/donatello-r431353c604b592/ascension-of-st-john-rc06afbdd94e5a8>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)