Saint John the Baptist 1468

Carlo Crivelli's "Saint John the Baptist" is a striking example of Early Renaissance art, painted in 1468. The saint is depicted in a naturalistic, yet stylized manner, standing on rocky terrain, his bare feet planted firmly, and a long, thin staff held gently in his right hand. His attire, a simple garment made of animal skin, contrasts sharply with the delicate inscription on the scroll held in his left hand, a reference to his role as a prophet. Crivelli's attention to detail and the overall sense of realism create a compelling image of this important biblical figure.