Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness (1652) by Guercino - Public Domain Catholic Painting

John the baptist by guercino
0:00
/62.302041

In this dynamic Baroque painting by Guercino, Saint John the Baptist is reaching up to collect water from a small natural stream. He could be using this water to baptize one of his followers or he could be collecting drinking water. The image feels intimate due to Guercino's use of mostly warm colors. The light on the right side of the image illumines John's torso and face which attracts the viewer's attention. Furthermore, John is holding a walking staff that is in the shape of a cross, which foreshadows Christ's crucifixion.

Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, better known as Guercino, or il Guercino, was an Italian Baroque painter and draftsman from Cento in the Emilia region, who was active in Rome and Bologna. The vigorous naturalism of his early manner contrasts with the classical equilibrium of his later works. His many drawings are noted for their luminosity and lively style.

💸
Please donate or subscribe to keep this site FREE
💡
This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or fewer. This photographic reproduction is considered to be in the public domain in the United States. In other jurisdictions, re-use of this content may be restricted.

Source

Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness by Guercino - Artvee
View Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness by Guercino and other Artworks on Artvee