Artwork

Saint John the Baptist Preaching

Saint John the Baptist Preaching, by Frans Crabbe van Espleghem, ink, 1530
Saint John the Baptist Preaching, by Frans Crabbe van Espleghem, ink, 1530

Saint John the Baptist Preaching is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Frans Crabbe van Espleghem. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saint John the Baptist Preaching is a woodcut on laid paper created by Frans Crabbe van Espleghem around 1530.

Subject & Meaning

The woodcut depicts Saint John the Baptist standing in a landscape, addressing a crowd. He wears a simple tunic and holds a staff, set against a backdrop of trees, hills, and distant buildings.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a range of techniques to convey depth and atmosphere, rendering figures with detailed facial expressions and gestures. Light and shadow are used to create drama and tension, with contrasting sunlight and dark shadows.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.