An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Saint John the Baptistc. 1500
Jan Crocq
French sculptor, active 1486-1611
John the Baptist was one of the most beloved and widely venerated saints of the Middle Ages. He is depicted here wearing his traditional camel hair fleece beneath a luxuriant outer mantle. The sculpture is attributed to Jan Crocq, a Netherlandish artist active at the court of René II, Duke of Lorraine at Nancy from 1486 to 1510, and noted for his naturalistic treatment of hair and costume.
St. John the Baptist holds a book and a lamb, referencing his description of Christ as "the lamb of God."
Tonnerre limestone
Overall: 163 x 59 x 40 cm (64 3/16 x 23 1/4 x 15 3/4 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In the serene glow of a soft morning light, a figure stands, timeless and revered. He is John the Baptist, a saint cherished through the ages, particularly in the rich tapestry of the Middle Ages. Clad in his humble garment of camel hair, this iconic figure is draped under a lush outer mantle, a visual reminder of his faithful journeys.
As you approach this sculpture, you can almost hear the whisper of the old world. Crafted by Jan Crocq, a talented Netherlandish artist, the piece carries whispers of a noble court—René II, Duke of Lorraine’s court, to be precise—in the thriving town of Nancy, where artistry flourished between 1486 and 1510.
Crocq had a gift, a keen eye and hand for transforming materials into lifelike embodiments. He poured his soul into every detail, especially in the rendering of hair and fabric, which seem to tell tales of their own. The textures intertwine like memories shared between friends, inviting you closer to understand the man who stands before you.
In this quiet moment, as you gaze upon John’s serene expression, you might pause and reflect. This sculpture, more than mere stone and cloth, is a bridge to the past, echoing the love and veneration that mankind has held for the holy man whose life was a beacon of hope and reflection. Here, amidst the whispers of history, you find a place of peace, a reminder that stories, like this magnificent artwork, have the power to connect us all.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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