Artwork
The Infant Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness
The Infant Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Elisabetta Sirani. It dates from 1664 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.
About this work
Overview
The Infant Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness is a 1664 oil painting by Elisabetta Sirani, a Bolognese artist known for her contributions to the early Baroque style.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the young Saint John the Baptist in a wilderness setting, symbolizing innocence and spiritual preparation. The infant saint is shown with a lamb, an animal often associated with him, conveying a sense of gentle interaction and peaceful coexistence.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Sirani's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that employs strong light and dark contrasts to create a sense of depth and volume. The contrast between the dark background and the figures in the foreground achieves a sense of tranquility and highlights the innocence of the subject.
History & Provenance
Created in 1664, the painting is one of Sirani's works from a period when she was gaining recognition in Bologna's artistic circles. Sirani's career was cut short when she died the following year at the age of 27.
Artist & collection
Artist
Elisabetta Sirani (8 January 1638 – 28 August 1665) was an Italian Baroque painter and printmaker who died in unexplained circumstances at the age of 27.
