New photography by Shannon Ruff captured with a digital camera-2007.

Saint John the Baptist

Artist Unknown

CultureGerman

Date17th century

MediumWood

DimensionsOverall: 70 x 36 in. (177.8 x 91.4 cm)

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.486

Collections

European Art before 1945

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 204

DescriptionThis is a life size wooden statue of John the Baptist. He stands in the contrapposto position, with most of his weight on his left leg. Only the toe of the right foot touches the ground. His arms are somewhat outstretched; the right hand reaches forward and the left is near his side. A carved mantle of voluminous cloth moves about him; his camel hair robe reaches the ground. He looks upward, with his eyes open. He has curled hair, beard and mustache. This sculpture was intended to be seen only from the front. It is hollowed out at the back in order to prevent the wood from cracking and splitting.

Label TextSaint John the Baptist, 1600s German Wood Beneath layers of rippling fabric and with his arms outstretched, John the Baptist’s devotion comes alive in this sculpture. The carving was probably part of an ornate figural group that once flanked a church’s altar, but even alone its energy is apparent. The Baptist’s active stance, his inspired upward gaze, and his fluttering clothes convey great physical and spiritual energy. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.486 Exhibition History"Large or Small, Bronze or Wood, Painted or Plain: Problems and Solutions in Sculpture," The Chrysler Museum, July 9 - Sept. 13, 1981. (Exhib. cat. no. 4). Published ReferencesDavid W. Steadman. LARGE OR SMALL, BRONZE OR WOOD, PAINTED OR PLAIN: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS IN SCULPTURE. The Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, VA. 1981: p. 7, no. 4.