Szene aus dem Leben Johannes' des Täufers: Taufe Christi

Scenes from the Life of Saint John the Baptist

The first panel shows John the Baptist's birth. His father, Zacharias, who has lost the power of speech, writes down the child's name.

The second panel depicts the young saint leaving the city and setting off into the desert to preach and baptise.

In the third panel Saint John baptises Christ: God the Father appears in the sky and the Holy Ghost descends in the form of a dove.

The fourth panel shows Salome (right). Herod was so enchanted by her dancing that he granted her any wish. She asked for the head of Saint John and here it is brought to Herod on a platter.

These panels are from a predella (the tier below the main altarpiece).