Saint John the Baptist

Unknown

ca. 1420–25 · Alabaster · The Cloisters

This figure of John the Baptist is a particularly accomplished example of alabaster carving in the first half of the fifteenth century. The original context of the figure is uncertain, but the rather flattened appearance of its proper left side suggests that it was placed against an element in a larger ensemble. The saint’s attribute—a book or a lamb, or both—once held in his right hand, is now missing. The style of carving relates to that of the Kneeling Angel (acc. no. 65.215.3), suggesting that the work best exemplified by the Master of Rimini was widespread at the time.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1420–25

Medium

Alabaster

Culture

South Netherlandish or German

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1995