Young Saint John the Baptist with ram
c. 1602 Capitoline Museums
About this artwork
This painting depicts a youthful John the Baptist embracing a ram, a traditional symbol that can allude to Christ's sacrifice. It showcases Caravaggio's signature dramatic lighting and realistic portrayal of figures.
Did you know?
Caravaggio's portrayal of religious figures often stirred controversy due to his use of common people as models, lending his saints and biblical characters a startling, earthy realism. This particular work, with its sensual depiction of the young John the Baptist, exemplifies his revolutionary approach, making divine narratives powerfully human and relatable, a hallmark of his enduring influence on art.
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Young Saint John the Baptist with ram
Michelangelo da Caravaggio, c. 1602
