Seated Saint John the Baptist

This terracotta sculpture represents the Christian saint John the Baptist as an earnest and intent young man. John was the patron saint of Florence, Italy, where citizens had representations of him in their homes. The artist captured the fervor that John brought to a period of self-examination and meditation before he began his work announcing Jesus’ mission.

The rocky outcropping upon which he sits suggests a wilderness. This setting is enhanced by the lizard whose head emerges next to John’s left knee. The diminutive lamb recalls John’s words, “Behold the Lamb of God.” The scallop shell in John’s hand may represent a container for baptismal water as well as a symbol of rebirth. This figure retains some of its original painted decoration, allowing a fuller appreciation of this example since such devotional sculptures were usually painted.