Johannes de Doper 1625 - 1678

This anonymous 17th-century etching depicts John the Baptist, a prominent figure in Christian tradition. The artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases John with his characteristic attributes: a halo, a simple garment, and a lamb. His gaze is directed towards the right, while his left hand gently holds a lamb, symbolizing Christ as the "Lamb of God". This small but detailed work is typical of the period's stylistic focus on precise rendering and a sense of realism. It exemplifies the popular trend of devotional art in the 17th century, aimed at engaging viewers with religious narratives through visually compelling imagery. The etching's size and the artist's anonymous status suggest it may have been part of a wider series of prints distributed among a broad audience.