The Young Saint John the Baptist c. 1588

Hendrick Goltzius’s “The Young Saint John the Baptist” (c. 1588) is a masterful engraving that captures the essence of the biblical figure. The intricate detail of the engraving is evident in the rendering of John’s youthful features, his rough clothing, and the surrounding landscape. The composition emphasizes John’s contemplative gaze, his hand resting on a book, while a lamb, symbolic of his role as a precursor to Christ, is present in the background. This artwork showcases Goltzius's expertise in creating a dynamic and expressive image through the use of lines and shading, characteristic of the Northern Renaissance style.