Saint John the Baptist
1517
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1517
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a bearded man with curly hair and a halo, holding a small child. The man’s face looks serious, and he’s dressed in flowing robes. Behind him, a rocky landscape stretches out, with a few small animals and plants scattered around. The artist used sharp lines and shading to create depth, which is typical of woodcuts. This print feels dramatic, with strong contrasts between light and dark. Next, check out the technique: woodcut to see how artists like Baldung Grien made prints like this.