Saint Julian killing his parents

Agnolo Gaddi, the son of Taddeo Gaddi and grandson-pupil of Giotto's legacy, painted this scene of Saint Julian killing his parents around 1394. The legend of Saint Julian the Hospitaller, who accidentally murdered his parents and devoted his life to penance, was one of the most popular hagiographic narratives in late medieval Tuscany. Agnolo Gaddi was the leading Florentine painter of his generation, and his major commissions included the choir frescoes of Santa Croce.

Rendered in egg tempera on panel with gold ground, the narrative scene captures the dramatic moment of the accidental patricide with vivid figural interaction and architectural framing. Agnolo Gaddi's refined colorism and elegant drapery patterns reflect the decorative sophistication of late Trecento Florentine painting.