St. John the Baptist 1519

Hans Holbein the Younger created this pen and black ink drawing, “St. John the Baptist,” now housed in the Kunstmuseum Basel. The composition is striking for its architectural framework, which both supports and confines the figure of St. John. Note how Holbein uses linear precision to define the architectural elements, contrasting with the softer, more organic rendering of St. John and the lamb. This contrast sets up a dynamic between the man-made and the natural, between order and freedom. The choice of monochrome limits the emotional range, yet also intensifies the focus on form and line. The parallel hatching and cross-hatching, particularly in the drapery and the background, create depth and shadow, emphasizing the three-dimensionality of the scene. It invites viewers to consider the structural relationships within the work, where each line contributes to a complex interplay of light, shadow, and form. Consider how this formal organization guides our interpretation of the drawing's symbolic and narrative content.