The artwork titled “John Baptist,” created by the artist known as “Orthodox Icons,” dates to approximately 1350. It belongs to the Late Byzantine or Palaeologan Renaissance art movement, which spanned from circa 1261 to 1453. This piece is categorized within the genre of iconography and is part of a larger series dedicated to saints.
The artwork depicts a solemn and contemplative image of John the Baptist. His figure is rendered with traditional Byzantine stylings, characterized by a golden background that symbolizes divine light and sanctity. The saint is shown with intricate attention to detail, particularly in his sorrowful expression and flowing hair and beard. His garments are depicted in layers, with stylized folds that attest to the craftsmanship of the icon painter. Despite some signs of wear and aging, the image retains its spiritual resonance and exemplifies the technical and theological sophistication of the period’s religious art.
