Saint John The Baptist, 17th Century Italian School

Saint John the Baptist in the Desert — Italian School, 17th century. This painting depicts Saint John the Baptist seated in a rocky landscape, accompanied by the lamb, symbol of Christ (Agnus Dei), and holding the staff surmounted by a cross, an attribute of his mission as forerunner. The figure is rendered in strong chiaroscuro, with a lateral light modeling the body and face, while the landscape remains dark and austere. This dramatic scene is in keeping with the Baroque tradition influenced by Caravaggio. The youthful and idealized face, as well as the balanced composition, recall the classical tradition of painters such as Guido Reni or Guercino, very active in the Bolognese school. The animal skin, painted with free brushstrokes and warm tones, as well as the construction of light and the body, point to a 17th-century Italian school, probably intended for private devotion. Relined. Recent stretcher.