Saint John the Baptist. Etching attributed to G.B. Fontana.
- Fontana, Giovanni Battista, 1524-1587.
- Date:
- 1500-1599
- Reference:
- 6235i
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- Online
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Description
Saint John the Baptist was the son of Saint Elizabeth, a relative (Greek "syngenis") of the Virgin. He was therefore a relative of Jesus Christ. His father was Zacharias. He is often depicted wearing camel's hair; with a lamb, referring to his description of Christ as the "Lamb of God"; with a cross of reeds held sometimes by him and sometimes by the lamb; and pointing with his index finger, to indicate his role as annunciator of Christ. His martyrdom by decapitation led to his being invoked especially against diseases associated with the head, such as migraine, epilepsy ("le mal Saint-Jean") and quinsy
Publication/Creation
1500-1599
Physical description
1 print
Contributors
Creator/production credits
Despite the disapproval of Bartsch (loc. cit.), the print is attributed to Fontana in various catalogues
References note
Adam von Bartsch, Le peintre graveur, vol. XVII, Vienna 1817, p. 200, Théodore Philippe Liano no. 1 ("1. l. St. Jean préchant dans le désert. Le Saint debout au milieu de l'estampe sur une colline, prêchant devant une troupe de peuple assemblé au bas de cette colline. On remarque sur le devant à droite deux hommes appuyés sur une pierre carrée qui causent ensemble. Dans le fond à gauche on voit une ville, et à droite une compagnie de cavaliers armés de toutes pièces. Cette superbe estampe est ce que l'on a de plus considérable de notre artiste. Ceux qui en attribuent l'invention et la gravure à Jean Baptiste Fontana, sont en erreur. Hauteur : 18 p. 6 lign. Largeur : 14 p. 9 lign.")
Reference
Wellcome Collection 6235i
Type/Technique
Subjects
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores