Torso of a naked man - St John the Baptist 1682 - 1685

This drawing, "Torso of a naked man - St John the Baptist," was created by Luca Giordano, an Italian painter, sometime between 1634 and 1705. The image presents a challenge to traditional representations of religious figures, particularly in its stark portrayal of the saint's bare torso. Giordano lived in a time and place where the Catholic Church's influence was very powerful. Therefore, his decision to depict John the Baptist in such a vulnerable and human way raises questions about the relationship between the body, spirituality, and identity. The image invites us to consider how society's views on gender and sexuality affect how religious figures are presented. It encourages an emotional and personal connection with the saint. Instead of focusing solely on his divinity, we're confronted with his humanity and the inherent vulnerability of the body.