The artwork, titled “San Giovanni Battista,” was created by Filippino Lippi around the year 1500. Executed in oil, it exemplifies the High Renaissance art movement and belongs to the genre of religious painting.
The artwork portrays a highly emotive and solemn depiction of Saint John the Baptist. The subject is dressed in traditional, rustic garments, symbolizing his ascetic life. His expression is one of intense contemplation and spirituality, with his gaze directed upwards, likely in a moment of divine communion. The piece is rich in color and detail, with vibrant reds and earthy tones contributing to the overall intensity. The saint holds a thin, golden cross-staff, emphasizing his role as the harbinger of Christ. The arched background adds a sense of architectural space, further enhancing the realism typical of the High Renaissance period.
