Saint John the Baptist

Culture: Italian
Date: late 16th-early 17th century
Material: Bronze
made in: Italy, Europe
Classification: Metalwork, sculpture
Collection: European Art to 1800
Current Location: On View, Gallery 236
Dimensions: figure and base: 27 x 10 1/2 in. (68.6 x 26.7 cm)
mount: 4 1/4 x 7 x 6 3/4 in. (10.8 x 17.8 x 17.1 cm)
figure only: 21 7/8 x 10 1/2 x 4 in. (55.6 x 26.7 x 10.2 cm)
weight: 16 lb. 4.4 oz. (7.4 kg)
Credit Line: Funds given by the Caleb C. and Julia W. Dula Charitable and Educational Foundation, Museum Purchase, and Friends Endowment Fund; Gift of Horace Morison, Bequest of Horace M. Swope, the Estate of Mrs. Edith Rabushka in memory of Hyman and Edith Rabushka, and Gift of J. Lionberger Davis, all by exchange
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 50:1992

NOTES

Beautifully cast in bronze, this figure of the Christian saint John the Baptist forms a grand arc, which begins with his tilted head and continues through his relaxed left foot. The saint’s right arm echoes the curve of his body while the graceful gesture of his left arm confers a sense of refined elegance. John’s detached expression suggests his focus on an inner world rather than his immediate physical surroundings. John holds a shell, symbolic of his role in baptizing Jesus with water.

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