Saint John the Baptist 1907

Timothy Cole made this image of Saint John the Baptist sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. The work is realized in shades of black, gray and white. Imagine the artist working in his studio, contemplating how to represent the saint and his animal companion. The artist uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth and drama. See how John’s gaze is fixed upward? The soft rendering of the sheep contrasts beautifully with the strong lines and shadows in the background. It's all so delicate. I wonder if Cole was interested in the relationship between humans and animals and how they interact with each other? I find the image quite moving. It is a powerful representation of faith and devotion. It makes me think of other images that have captured similar emotions throughout art history.