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Saint John the Baptist

ca. 1580–92
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 535
Although incorporating classical, heroic elements of Michelangelo's figural style, this work displays the continuing Spanish taste for polychromy. Particularly lovely is the use of estofado in the landscape background.

Dressed in animal skin like the Baptist by Martínez Montañés (63.40), here John points directly to the lamb of God, a symbol of Christ, resting on a volume of the gospel.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saint John the Baptist
  • Artist: Juan de Ancheta (Spanish, ca. 1540–1592)
  • Date: ca. 1580–92
  • Culture: Spanish, Navarre
  • Medium: Wood, polychromed and gilded
  • Dimensions: 44-1/4 x 29-5/8 x 5-1/4 in. (112.4 x 75.2 x 13.3 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1968
  • Object Number: 68.173
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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