Artwork
St. John the Baptist with the Scribes and Pharisees
St. John the Baptist with the Scribes and Pharisees is an oil painting by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1655 oil painting by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo portrays a biblical scene with St. John the Baptist and three religious figures, set against a serene landscape. The work exemplifies Spanish Baroque style, characterized by naturalism and emotional depth.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a dialogue between St. John the Baptist (center, in brown and red) and three scribes/pharisees, each distinguished by their attire (black, yellow, and blue with a pink turban). A sheep at the central figure’s right adds tranquility, underscoring an atmosphere of contemplative discussion.
Technique & Style
Murillo employs Spanish Baroque techniques, blending vivid, distinct colors for the figures’ robes against a softer, naturalistic backdrop of trees and water. The use of light and shadow enhances the emotional depth of the interaction.
History & Provenance
Created in 1655, the painting is part of the Fitzwilliam Museum’s collection, reflecting Murillo’s primary focus on religious themes alongside his lesser-known depictions of everyday life.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo ( mure-IL-oh, m(y)uu-REE-oh, Spanish: ; late December 1617, baptised 1 January 1618 – 3 April 1682) was a Spanish Baroque painter.
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Christ Instructs Peter to Feed My Sheep
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St. John the Baptist Preaching