Saint John the Baptist, c. 1505
Benedetto da Rovezzanoexpand_more
Terra cottaexpand_more
The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 2013.1
On View in Gallery 340expand_more
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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