ticketsMember | Make a donation

Saint John the Baptist

ca. 1613–14
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The biblical precursor of Jesus seems to address his message—"Behold the lamb of God"—to the viewer while indicating the lamb, an emblem of Christ. The figure is almost certainly a self-portrait (you will encounter his moustached features as Samson in the last gallery) and was clearly painted from a mirror, whence the intensity of the scrutinizing gaze. The principal reason for dating this work early is the unembellished naturalism, such as the folds of the drapery, which Valentin soon learned to modify in the interest of greater stylistic coherence and sophistication.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saint John the Baptist
  • Artist: Valentin de Boulogne (French, Coulommiers-en-Brie 1591–1632 Rome)
  • Date: ca. 1613–14
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 51 15/16 × 38 9/16 in. (132 × 98 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Private collection
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings