John the Baptist and the Lamb 

Ramón Bayeu created this print, "John the Baptist and the Lamb," sometime in the late 18th century. It depicts a biblical scene, but to understand its place in Spanish society, we need to look at its visual style and the role of religious imagery at the time. Bayeu was a court painter, working within the Spanish monarchy and its network of institutions. The print shows the clear influence of the Baroque, through its dramatic composition and the naturalistic depiction of John the Baptist. However, we can also see Bayeu embracing new, Enlightenment ideas of rationalism and order, through the clean lines. Religious art served a crucial public role, reinforcing the power of the Church. This work is conservative in that its representation of Catholic iconography supports existing social structures, but also progressive in that it looks to new artistic trends. To fully understand this print, we might look to the archives of the Royal Court or the records of religious orders in Spain. By considering those institutions, we can better appreciate the original context and meaning of Bayeu's work.