Saint John the Baptist

Oil on canvas

67 x 56 cm

In frame 98 x 83 cm

In bringing out the sculptural figure of this young Saint John the Baptist, bathed in a powerful and enveloping light, our artist seems to refer directly to the Gospel of John, which outlines the role of the Baptist as prophet and precursor of Jesus Christ:

“There came a man sent from God, whose name was John ... to bear witness to the light. He was not the light, but he came to bear witness to the light.” (Jn 1:6-8)

Aware of this mission, the saint is depicted radiating a beam of light coming from a tear in the clouds, wrapped in the traditional camel-skin garment and a bright red cloak; with one hand he holds the traditional staff made of two reeds forming a crucifix, alluding to Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

The work can be attributed to an artist active between the 16th and 17th centuries in Florence, where the figurative tradition has always devoted considerable space to this subject, patron saint of the city and protector of various arts and crafts guilds.

Although his interpretation is very personal, we can easily identify the models from which he drew inspiration and, in particular, trace his origins to the school of Andrea del Sarto (Florence 1486 - 1530), finding the most striking points of contact with the series of saints portrayed by the painter in half-length figures.

These include the portrait of the young John the Baptist by Andrea del Sarto, now in the Worcester Art Museum (Massachusetts), but above all, as regards the rendering of the facial and bodily features, we can compare it with Saint Sebastian, particularly the copy in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen in France (1).

(1) (Andrea del Sarto (follower) - Saint Sebastian holding two arrows and the palm of martyrdom (detail)

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen (Reference 06570005015)

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Andrea_del_Sarto_(da)_-_San_Sebastiano_che_tiene_due_frecce_....

In this last painting, we find the beautiful head of the boy, with his gaze fixed upwards, his flowing curly hair standing out, and his lean but harmonious, almost ephebe-like naked body, with a posture that is both proud and relaxed, evoking the impression of Raphael's David.

Although it is not easy to identify the hand of a particular artist within the prolific school of the master, the painting on offer occupies a prominent place due to its noble Florentine workmanship, which is evident in the confidence of the drawing, the mastery of the anatomical structure, the plasticity of the figure, and the delicate vagueness of the saint's expression, making it a very interesting work.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Good condition, complete with gilded and lacquered frame.

The work is sold complete with certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda, where we will be happy to welcome you and show you our collection of works.

Please contact us, without obligation, for any further information.

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