Who painted Saint John the Baptist?

Saint John the Baptist was painted by Jacopo Palma il Giovane in 1588.

Where can I see Saint John the Baptist?

Saint John the Baptist is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint John the Baptist?

Saint John the Baptist is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Saint John the Baptist?

Museum-quality prints of Saint John the Baptist are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Saint John the Baptist

Jacopo Palma il Giovane , 1588

Saint John the Baptist is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jacopo Palma il Giovane. It dates from 1588 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1588, this etching by Jacopo Palma il Giovane—known as Palma il Giovane—depicts Saint John the Baptist. Executed as a print, the work presents a solitary, robed figure kneeling amid an untamed natural setting, rendered with a loose, gestural line that conveys immediacy.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, identified by his attire and posture, is Saint John the Baptist in a moment of contemplation. His head is slightly turned, and his hands rest on his knees, suggesting a meditative stance within a chaotic landscape that may symbolize the saint’s prophetic isolation.

Technique & Style

The image was produced by incising lines into a metal plate, filling the grooves with ink, and transferring the design onto paper. This etching process yields a texture of rough, uneven strokes, evident in the tangled foliage and the sketch‑like rendering of the saint’s form.

History & Provenance

The work originates from the late Renaissance period in Venice, where Palma il Giovane was active. Though specific ownership records are sparse, the piece reflects the artist’s engagement with religious subjects common to the Counter‑Reformation era.