The Preaching of John the Baptist in the Wilderness c. 1576 - 1580

"The Preaching of John the Baptist in the Wilderness" is a c. 1576-1580 engraving by French artist Léonard Gaultier, depicting the biblical scene of John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness. John, standing on a rock and gesturing with his right hand, delivers a sermon to a crowd of figures. The scene is set amidst a landscape of trees and a distant town, with the artist's signature and a reference to John 1:7-6 visible at the bottom. This artwork is a fine example of Gaultier's skill in rendering detail and composition, showcasing the dramatic moment of John's preaching and the varied reactions of the audience. The engraving offers insights into religious imagery and visual storytelling in 16th-century Europe.