The Birth and Naming of Saint John the Baptist 1450-60 Sano di Pietro (Ansano di Pietro di Mencio) Italian This panel combines two episodes: the birth of Saint John the Baptist and his naming by his father, Zacharias, portrayed writing in the foreground. Behind him, framed by delicate colonnettes, is Elizabeth, the cousin of the Virgin Mary, who reclines in bed, having just given birth to Saint John. Although the original location of the present painting is unknown, and it cannot be associated with any other known panels, it is likely that it formed part of a predella that portrayed scenes of the Life of Saint John the Baptist. Sano di Pietros panel was inspired by Ambrogio Lorenzettis fresco depicting the Birth of the Virgin (façade of the Spedale della Scala).. The Birth and Naming of Saint John the Baptist 458984