“St. John the Baptist in Meditation” is an oil painting on panel created by Hieronymus Bosch between 1489 and 1499. This Northern Renaissance religious painting, measuring 63 by 43 centimeters, portrays St. John the Baptist in deep contemplation. Currently, it resides in the Museo Lázaro Galdiano in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork presents St. John the Baptist reclining on a grassy landscape, dressed in a red robe that contrasts with the earthy tones of the surrounding flora. His serene gaze and contemplative posture epitomize introspection. In the foreground, an elaborate plant with intricate details occupies the composition, symbolizing nature’s abundance and possibly hinting at divine creation. The distant background features a lush, verdant landscape with trees, hills, and animals, creating a harmonious natural setting. The distinctive, surreal elements typical of Bosch’s style are evident, merging naturalistic details with fantastical imagery, prompting the viewer to ponder the spiritual symbolism intertwined within the scene.