Saint John the Baptist, Florentine Painter 16th - 17th century

Florentine Painter, 16th - 17th century Saint John the Baptist Oil on canvas (67 x 56 cm - Framed 98 x 83 cm.) Full details of the work (click HERE) In bringing out the sculptural figure of this young Saint John the Baptist, bathed in a powerful and enveloping light, our author seems to have referred directly to the Gospel of John, which outlines the role of the Baptist as a prophet and precursor of Jesus Christ: "There came a man sent from God and his name was John... to bear witness to the light. He was not himself the light, but he came to bear witness to the light." (JN 1: 6-8) Aware of this mission, the Saint is depicted illuminated by a beam of light coming from a break in the clouds, wrapped in the traditional camel skin garment and a brilliant red mantle; with one hand he holds the traditional staff made from two reeds forming a cross, alluding to Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The work should be attributed to an artist active in Florence between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, where the figurative tradition has always dedicated significant space to this subject, the city's patron saint and protector of various guilds and crafts. Although his interpretation is very personal, we can easily identify the models of derivation and, in particular, narrow down its origin to the school of Andrea del Sarto (Florence 1486 - 1530), drawing the closest points of contact with the series of half-figure saints painted by the artist. Among these is the portrait of the young John the Baptist by Andrea del Sarto, now at the Worcester Art Museum (Massachusetts), but above all, with regard to the rendering of the facial and bodily features, we can compare it to the 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 (Ref. 06570005015) LINK In this latter painting, we find the beautiful head of the boy, with his gaze fixed upwards, highlighted by flowing curly hair, and his lean but harmonious, almost ephebic nude, with that proud yet relaxed posture that evokes the impression of Raphael's David. Although it is not easy to identify the hand of a particular artist within the master's prolific school, the proposed painting occupies a very prominent place due to its noble Florentine craftsmanship, which is evident in the certainty 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 with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to view the painting in our gallery in Riva del Garda; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any further information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/