The artwork titled “John the Baptist” by the artist known as “Orthodox Icons” dates back to approximately 350 CE. Executed using the encaustic technique on wood, it is a prime example of art from the Early Byzantine period, particularly within the genre of religious icons. This piece belongs to the “Saints” series and is housed in the Museum of Western and Oriental Art, also known as the Khanenko Museum, located in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The artwork depicts John the Baptist in a traditional Byzantine icon style. The use of encaustic painting, which involves the application of pigment mixed with hot wax, gives the art a luminous and durable quality. John the Baptist is portrayed with a solemn expression, holding a scroll and clothed in garments typical of early Christian iconography. His figure is flanked by smaller circular portraits on either side, possibly representing significant figures in Christianity. The overall composition reflects the spiritual and theological significance attributed to John the Baptist in the Christian tradition, emphasizing reverence and the sacred. The rich color palette and detailed rendering of facial expressions and garments are characteristic of Byzantine artistry, underscoring the devotional purpose of such icons within liturgical contexts.