France Late 14th Century Early 15th Century Sculpture Of Saint John The Baptist (h 55 Cm)

This late 14th century carved wooden sculpture, still containing remnants of polychromy, represents Saint John the Baptist, the last of the Old Testament prophets.
In keeping with the iconography, he is depicted here with most of his attributes, pointing with his right hand to the lamb resting on the Book he is holding in his left hand.
This representation echoes the phrase John the Baptist said before baptizing Jesus: "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).

Saint John the Baptist is depicted barefoot, in a hieratic attitude, his long, thin face exuding great spiritual strength, is underlined by a beard and a moustache, a straight-edged nose and large eyes with slightly bulging globes. He is dressed in an animal skin with his head appearing between his legs and a tunic with many stylized folds.

This fine, elongated sculpture exudes a great deal of strength.

Dimensions H 55 cm / L 23 cm / W 10 cm
In good condition with losses due to the centuries.

From a large private collection.