Who painted Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist?

Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist was painted by Anthony van Dyck in 1618.

Where can I see Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist?

Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist?

Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist

Anthony van Dyck , 1618

Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Anthony van Dyck. It dates from 1618 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The double portrait depicts Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, two distinct figures venerated in Christian tradition.

The double portrait depicts Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, two distinct figures venerated in Christian tradition.

John the Baptist is shown on the left, identifiable by his camel-skin garment and the lamb at his feet, a reference to his role as the Precursor who announced Christ as the "Lamb of God." His right hand rests on the lamb while his gaze and gesture direct attention toward John the Evangelist.

John the Evangelist appears on the right, traditionally distinguished by a youthful appearance and the attribute of a chalice, evoking the legend of his survival after drinking poisoned wine. The two saints flank an implied central axis, their pairing emphasizing complementary roles in Christian iconography: the Baptist as herald of Christ and the Evangelist as witness and recorder of the Incarnation.

History & Provenance

The painting is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin and displayed in the Bode Museum as part of the Sanssouci Picture Gallery holdings. Its accession number is not specified in the cited sources. The work has not been recorded as part of any documented exhibitions in the provided references.

Overview

Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist is a 1618 oil painting by Anthony van Dyck, depicting two biblical figures accompanied by a third, unidentified man. Created early in Van Dyck's career, the work showcases his emerging style within the religious genre.

Technique & Style

Van Dyck employs chiaroscuro to dramatic effect, juxtaposing deep shadows with bright highlights to enhance the figures' presence. This technique, characteristic of Baroque painting, contributes to the work's emotional intensity.

Die hll. Hieronymus, Maria Magdalena, Antonius und Franziskus (Kopie nach), Carlo Saraceni

Artist & collection

Artist

Anthony van Dyck

Sir Anthony van Dyck (; Dutch: Antoon van Dijck; 22 March 1599 – 9 December 1641) was a Flemish Baroque artist, who became the leading court painter in England after success in the Spanish Netherlands and Italy.