Saint John of Damascus proclaims his innocence

This panel is part of stained-glass window V25 of Milan Duomo and was made between 1479 and 1489 by Niccolò da Varallo. It was offered by the College of Apothecaries (the current Pharmacists) and is dedicated to their patron saint, Saint John of Damascus. A leading figure in the history of Byzantine theology, as well as a distinguished doctor in the history of the universal Church, Saint John of Damascus lived in the 7th century. Born in Damascus, during the reign of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian, Saint John was unjustly slandered by means of a false letter sent to the Caliph of Damascus, which fell into the trap. Saint John was punished with the severing of his right hand, which was later reattached by the miraculous intervention of the Madonna. He is the patron saint of painters, the disabled (those missing limbs), and pharmacists. Saint John of Damascus is depicted here in the presence of the Emperor as he tries to apologise. The work presents extensive 19th century renovations.