Florentine painter, 16th - 17th century Saint John the Baptist Oil on canvas (67 x 56 cm - Framed 98 x 83 cm) Complete details of the work (click HERE) In bringing out the sculptural figure of this young Saint John the Baptist, invested with a powerful and enveloping light, our author seems to have referred directly to the Gospel of John, which outlines the role of the Baptist as prophet and precursor of Jesus Christ: "There came a man sent from God, and his name was John ... to bear witness to the light. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light." (John 1:6-8) Conscious of this mission, the Saint is depicted irradiated by a beam of light coming from a rift in the clouds, wrapped in the traditional camel skin garment and a bright red cloak; with one hand he holds the traditional staff made from two reeds to form a crucifix, alluding to Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The work can be traced back to an author active between the 16th and 17th centuries in Florence, where the figurative tradition has always dedicated great space to this subject, patron saint of the city and protector of various arts and crafts corporations. Although his interpretation is very personal, we can easily identify the models of derivation and, in particular, circumscribe the origin to the school of Andrea del Sarto (Florence 1486 - 1530), deriving the most stringent points of contact with the series of Saints portrayed by the painter in half-length. Among these is the portrait of the young John the Baptist by Andrea del Sarto now at the Worcester Art Museum (Massachusetts) but above all, as regards the rendering of the facial features and body, we can take as a comparison the Saint Sebastian, in particular the copy of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen in France (1). (1) (Andrea del Sarto (follower) - San Sebastiano holding two arrows and the palm of martyrdom (detail) - Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen (Référence 06570005015) LINK  In this latter painting, we find the beautiful head of the child, with his gaze fixed upwards on which stands out a flowing curly hair, and his lean but harmonious nude, almost ephebic, with that proud and casual posture at the same time that evokes the impression of the Raphael's David to the mind. Although it is not easy to identify the hand of a particular author within the prolific school of the master, the proposed painting occupies a prominent place for its noble Florentine workmanship, which is reflected in the security of the drawing, in the mastery of the anatomical system, in the plasticity of the figure and in the delicate vagueness of the saint's expression, which make it a very interesting work. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Good condition, complete with gilded and lacquered frame. The work is sold complete with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any further information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/