Gevangenneming van Johannes de Doper c. 1540 - 1572

Pieter van der Heyden's "Gevangenneming van Johannes de Doper," a drawing created between 1540 and 1572, depicts the arrest of John the Baptist. The scene is set in a grand, architectural space, with figures arranged in a dramatic composition. John the Baptist, clad in a simple garment, is being led away by soldiers, his expression a mixture of resignation and defiance. The drawing showcases van der Heyden's skill in depicting both the human figure and the intricacies of architectural detail, contributing to the powerful visual narrative of this biblical event. The work is housed in the Rijksmuseum, a renowned repository of Dutch art.