Who painted Saint John the Baptist?

Saint John the Baptist was painted by Leonardo da Vinci.

Where can I see Saint John the Baptist?

Saint John the Baptist is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Saint John the Baptist?

Saint John the Baptist is associated with High 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

Leonardo da Vinci

Saint John the Baptist is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci. It is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. Created in 1501, this oil painting portrays the biblical figure John the Baptist.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The depiction aligns with traditional iconographic representations of the Baptist, focusing on his identity as the primary figure of the composition.

The work depicts John the Baptist, a figure central to religious art, portrayed as the main subject of this oil painting. Created in 1501, the image presents the saint within a genre defined by its religious significance. The depiction aligns with traditional iconographic representations of the Baptist, focusing on his identity as the primary figure of the composition. As a religious painting, the piece serves to honor the saint's role and spiritual importance.

Technique & Style

The painting Saint John the Baptist is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. Created in 1501, the work measures 50 cm in height and 36 cm in width. Classified as religious art, the piece depicts John the Baptist as its main subject.

The handling of the medium and the formal qualities align with the work's attribution to Leonardo da Vinci, despite some cataloging that lists the creator as anonymous. The painting is currently held in collections including the Museo del Prado and the Museo Provincial de Lugo.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, this oil painting on canvas depicting Saint John the Baptist was created in 1501. The work measures 50 cm in height and 36 cm in width. Historical records indicate that the piece was once owned by Ferdinand VII of Spain.

Over time, the painting has been associated with several institutions, including the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and the Museo Provincial de Lugo. It is currently held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

The painting is held by the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Its inventory number is P00245, and it is located in the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, a branch of the museum.

It was first recorded in the collection of Ferdinand VII of Spain, whose holdings later transferred to the Prado. No exhibition history is documented in the provided sources.

Overview

Created in 1501, this oil painting portrays the biblical figure John the Baptist. Executed by Leonardo da Vinci, a leading artist of the High Renaissance, the work is part of the collection at Madrid’s Museo del Prado. The composition centers on a solitary, bearded man in a vivid red garment, set against a subdued, shadowy backdrop.

Context

The work belongs to a phase when Leonardo explored religious subjects through a synthesis of scientific study and artistic expression. Its somber atmosphere and focus on a single figure reflect the period’s shift toward individualized, emotionally resonant portrayals of saints, aligning with broader High Renaissance ideals.