John the Baptist as a Child c. 1640

This pair of polychromed wood sculptures, *John the Baptist as a Child*, is attributed to Felipe de Ribas, a Spanish Baroque sculptor who flourished in the first half of the 17th century. The figures, standing on a rocky base, are depicted in naturalistic poses, and their clothing is richly detailed with gilded accents. The sculpture on the left stands on a pedestal topped with three human heads, a traditional motif symbolizing John’s powerful preaching and the persecution he faced.