John the Baptist - Angel of the Desert 1600

"John the Baptist - Angel of the Desert" is a 1600 Orthodox icon depicting John the Baptist, a prophet in Christianity, with a severed head in a bowl and a scroll of writing below. This icon, from the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, utilizes the traditional style of Orthodox iconography, emphasizing the spiritual and symbolic aspects of the scene. The image of John the Baptist with wings signifies his role as a messenger of God, while the severed head alludes to his martyrdom. This icon holds a significant place in Orthodox religious art, reflecting the unwavering faith and devotion of the Eastern Christian tradition.