St. John the Evangelist (1620) by Guido Reni

St. John the Evangelist - Guido Reni - 1620

Artwork Information

TitleSt. John the Evangelist
ArtistGuido Reni
Date1620
Dimensions50 x 40 cm
Art MovementBaroque

About St. John the Evangelist

The artwork “St. John the Evangelist” was created by the illustrious artist Guido Reni in the year 1620. Reni, a prominent figure within the Baroque art movement, vividly captures the essence of religious fervor and spiritual contemplation typical to this period. This intimate devotional piece, with dimensions of 50 by 40 centimeters, is rendered in a manner that encapsulates the genre of religious painting, conveying pious narrative through its painterly execution.

The composition of the artwork predominantly features the visage of St. John the Evangelist, portrayed in a tenebrist fashion that utilizes stark contrasts between light and shadow to accentuate the three-dimensionality of the figure. The subject gazes upward, seemingly lost in divine inspiration or prayer, which is a common theme in religious iconography, aiming to depict the saint’s connection to the divine and the intensity of his faith. His youthful appearance, with curling locks of hair and a soft, unlined face, exudes an air of innocence and purity.

St. John’s attire includes a vibrant red cloak draped over a more subdued green garment, a color scheme that serves to draw the viewer’s eye toward the figure and highlight the emotional resonance of the scene. The choice of colors might bear symbolic meaning, often used in biblical representations to denote sanctity and the presence of the divine spirit. The overall execution of the painting, with its refined brushwork and gentle modeling of form, exemplifies the Baroque movement’s fascination with vivid dramatization and emphasis on emotional intensity.

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