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Saint John the Baptist

ca. 1420–25
On view at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 16
This figure of John the Baptist is a particularly accomplished example of alabaster carving in the first half of the fifteenth century. The original context of the figure is uncertain, but the rather flattened appearance of its proper left side suggests that it was placed against an element in a larger ensemble. The saint’s attribute—a book or a lamb, or both—once held in his right hand, is now missing.
The style of carving relates to that of the Kneeling Angel (acc. no. 65.215.3), suggesting that the work best exemplified by the Master of Rimini was widespread at the time.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saint John the Baptist
  • Date: ca. 1420–25
  • Culture: South Netherlandish or German
  • Medium: Alabaster
  • Dimensions: H. 9 7/16 in. (24 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture-Stone
  • Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1995
  • Object Number: 1995.412
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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Saint John the Baptist - South Netherlandish or German - The Metropolitan Museum of Art