Saint John the Baptist Prepared for Decapitation, 17th century
Attributed to Mattia Pretiexpand_more
Red chalkexpand_more
Bequest of Professor Alfred Moirexpand_more 2012.58.36
Not on Viewexpand_more
In this exquisite red chalk rendering of John the Baptist, the artist (thought to be Mattia Preti) presents a poignant and highly personal interpretation of the prophet's final moments before his murder by beheading. Above all, the drawing emphasizes the saint's humanity and vulnerability in the face of an unspeakably heinous act of violence.
Details
- Title
- Saint John the Baptist Prepared for Decapitation
- Artist Life
- 1613 - 1699
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2012.58.36
- Provenance
- Sale, Sotheby's, Florence, November 14, 1978, no. 499, as Follower of Annibale Carracci, to 'd'Assia; Enrico d'Assia (Prince Heinrich von Hessen), Rome ('1978-95; his sale, Sotheby's, London, July 3, 1995, no. 9, as Italian school, for £2,587.75, to Moir; Alfred Moir, Santa Barbara (1995-d. 2010; bequeathed to MIA)
- 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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