Viva São João! Saint John the Baptist
Object description: The sculpture of Saint John the Baptist we see here is the most common representation of the Saint, who announced the imminent coming of the Messiah. He is represented as a desert anchorite, wearing no more than the skin of a wild beast tied along the waist with a cord. Notice the head of the animal skin hanging down in the front, between his bare legs. Strangely the artist has transformed the animal skin into an ample garment with wide sleeves which is quite unlikely considering the original material. His long tidy symmetrically represented curly hair and well-trimmed beard are indicative that the image could have been sculpted during the mid-19th Century. In his left hand, he holds a book, representing the Holy Scripture (on which in some representations would be seated a lamb, which portrays him as a preacher, the lamb representing
The Lamb of God i.e. Christ). The saint is adorned with a gilt silver halo designed to look like radiating rays. The lower portion of the halo bears a crescent bordered with pearl-like motifs. A similar pearl design is visible along the upper edge of the halo as well. In his right hand, Saint John the Baptist is shown holding a gilt metallic flag. The ‘fly’ of the flag has exquisite Mughal Jali work done on a copper alloy (possibly brass) which is studded with 36 semiprecious stones (36 is symbolic of protection and guidance??). The staff of the flag is surmounted by a Latin cross. The flag in the saint’s hand, depicts him making an announcement of the Lord’s coming.
The Catholic Church annually celebrates the Nativity of the Saint on the 24th of June.
Period: Early 19th Century
Source: Purchased
Inv. No. 23.277
Information and photo credits: Frazer Andrade
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