St. John Altarpiece (after Rogier van der Weyden) c. 1510

This St. John Altarpiece, after Rogier van der Weyden, presents three distinct scenes within a unified architectural framework. Each panel is structured by a stone archway adorned with sculptures. The colour palette is rich, dominated by deep reds, blues, and greens, which imbue the piece with a solemn and dramatic feel. The composition of each scene is carefully balanced, with figures arranged to create a sense of depth and narrative progression. The left panel shows the birth of Saint John, in the middle is John baptizing Christ, and the right panel depicts the beheading of Saint John the Baptist. The altarpiece's structure and composition, along with the thematic contrasts, invite us to consider the interplay between birth, baptism, and death, reflecting the complexities of human existence. It questions fixed meanings and challenges our understanding of life, morality, and divine will.