bust of young man with medium-length curly hair; man wears draping garment with low neckline with knot on PR shoulder; bare PR arm; mottled patina

Saint John the Baptist, c. 1505

Terra cottaexpand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  2013.1

John the Baptist, patron saint of Florence, was a popular subject in the city. Busts of the saint as a boy were widespread, but almost unheard of elsewhere. Benedetto da Rovezzano, a pupil and collaborator of Michelangelo’s, produced a number of terra-cotta sculptures of the saint. This adolescent’s idealized face, with a narrow, straight nose and lively, layered hair, embodies the ideal of male youths found in Florentine Renaissance art. Sculptures of the young Baptist and Christ child were common features in Florentine homes, offering models of virtue for children of the household.

The artist later worked for the royal courts of France and England and was instrumental in spreading the Renaissance style beyond Italy.

Details
Title
Saint John the Baptist
Artist Life
c. 1474–1552
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.1
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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bust of young man with medium-length curly hair; man wears draping garment with low neckline with knot on PR shoulder; bare PR arm; mottled patina