Artwork

Roundel with Saint John the Baptist

Roundel with Saint John the Baptist is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This circular painting, known as a roundel, depicts Saint John the Baptist seated in an outdoor setting.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Its creation in 1510 is documented both in the internal catalog and in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s records, where the piece remains on view.

The roundel portrays Saint John the Baptist, identified by the book he holds. In this work the saint is shown with a scroll‑like volume, a conventional attribute that signals his role as the foreteller of Christ and a witness to the divine word. The composition belongs to the early sixteenth‑century religious painting tradition, reflecting devotional practices in which saints were invoked through visual symbols.

Its creation in 1510 is documented both in the internal catalog and in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s records, where the piece remains on view. The book therefore functions iconographically as a sign of prophetic authority and scriptural connection, conveying the theological meaning of John’s mission to prepare the way for Jesus.

History & Provenance

Created in 1510, this religious painting depicts John the Baptist holding a book. The work is attributed to an anonymous artist. It currently resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 32.24.27.

No further details regarding its commission, earlier ownership history, or specific creation circumstances are provided in the available records.

The roundel depicting Saint John the Baptist is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum identifies the work with the accession number 32.24.27. While the piece is dated to 1510, the available records do not list specific past exhibitions or loan history for this object.

Overview

This circular painting, known as a roundel, depicts Saint John the Baptist seated in an outdoor setting. The central figure, identifiable by specific attributes, is shown with a serene yet contemplative expression. He is accompanied by a lamb and a small angelic presence, while a distant town and a heraldic shield are visible in the background. The artwork's format and devotional subject matter are characteristic of religious art traditions.

Technique & Style

The composition centers on the bearded Saint John, who is depicted with a golden halo and a simple robe, conveying humility. He sits calmly, holding a staff and a book, his gaze serious and introspective. A small, winged angel hovers nearby, adding a celestial dimension.

The outdoor setting includes a prominent tree, a glimpse of a distant town, and a shield bearing stripes and a cross, which may signify a patron or specific context.