An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
Saint John the Baptist in the WildernessAdam Elsheimer (German, 1578–1610)
c. 1602/03
Germany
21 × 16.3 cm (8 1/4 × 6 3/8 in.); Framed: 33 × 26.7 × 2.5 cm (13 × 10 1/2 × 1 in.)
Oil on copper
Lacy Armour Fund, Chester D. Tripp Estate Fund, European Painting General Sales Proceeds, Mrs. Albert Beveridge Fund, Rhoades Foundation
['17th Century']
['Saint John the Baptist', 'river', 'flowers', 'insects', 'lizards', 'butterflies', 'Christianity', 'Christian subjects', 'sky', 'bird', 'landscape', 'foliage', 'rocks', 'cross', 'trees', 'wilderness', 'animals']
['painting', 'european painting', 'oil on copper', 'paint']
['oil paint (paint)', 'copper', 'paint', 'painting']
['painting', 'oil painting', 'painting (image making)', 'painting techniques']
Adam Elsheimer’s small paintings on copper show his remarkable ability to create imaginary, highly composed landscapes. On his arrival in Rome in 1600, Elsheimer was inspired by the city’s antique monuments and its extraordinary artistic environment. In this work, the wooded landscape teeming with wildlife is indebted to painting from Northern Europe, while the youthful saint echoes ancient Greek and Roman sculpture in a pose that reveals both his active mind and his physical strength. Though Elsheimer died in Rome at a relatively young age, his painting profoundly influenced his fellow artists, including Peter Paul Rubens.
| attributed to Art Institute of Chicago under CC-By license
In a quaint, dimly lit studio, where light flickered gently through small, dust-laden windows, Adam Elsheimer worked meticulously on his small masterpieces, each a shimmering pool of imagination encased in copper. These were not just paintings; they were doorways into other worlds, where compositions danced elegantly between lush landscapes and vivid wildlife.
When Elsheimer arrived in Rome in the year 1600, he stepped into a city that pulsed with history—a canvas rich with antique monuments and brushstrokes of artistic genius. It was here, amidst the crumbling arches and lively piazzas, that his own artistry began to flourish. The sun would caress the ancient stones, shedding light on the myriad possibilities waiting to be captured, and his mind brimmed with inspiration.
In one striking piece, a wooded landscape unfolds, alive with the rustle of leaves and the soft whispers of unseen creatures. The details are reminiscent of Northern European painters, yet they take on a warmth that speaks of Elsheimer’s innovative spirit. At the heart of this scene stands a youthful saint, poised in a manner that echoes the grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. His stance—a perfect balance of grace and contemplation—reveals not just the physical might of his form but an active mind, ever-curious and hungry for knowledge.
Though Elsheimer's life was tragically brief, ending in Rome at a mere thirty-six years, his legacy was anything but fleeting. His art left an indelible mark on those who followed in his footsteps, including the illustrious Peter Paul Rubens, who would find both inspiration and admiration in the work of this quiet, introspective master.
In the world of art, where brilliance often shines for but a moment, Elsheimer’s creations resonate—a soft yet powerful echo of passion, dedication, and the intricate dance between history and imagination.
About the artist
Welcome to the Art Institute of Chicago, home to a collection of art that spans centuries and the globe—and one of Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” US attractions of 2023. We look forward to your visit and invite you to explore our many exhibitions and to join us for one of our free daily tours in-person.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Institute's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 111 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, USA 60603
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