This painting is part of an altarpiece, the main panel of which depicts The Virgin and Child. This section shows Saint John the Baptist; other parts of the altarpiece show Saints Peter, Philip and John the Evangelist.
John the Baptist was the prophet who foretold the coming of Jesus. He was related to Jesus through his mother Elizabeth, who was a cousin of the Virgin Mary. John lived as a hermit in the desert, preaching and baptising people in the River Jordan - it is here that Jesus came to him to be baptised and John declared him the Son of God. In this painting, he is depicted with a scroll upon which is inscribed ECCE. AGNVS. DEI ('Behold, the Lamb of God').
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1460 - 1535
Full title
Saint John the Baptist
Date made
1505
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
55.2 x 57.1 cm
Inscription summary
Signed; Dated and inscribed
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1859
Inventory number
NG629.5
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: High Altarpiece, Oratory of S. Pietro in Vincoli
Painting
Lorenzo Costa
1505
Painting
Lorenzo Costa
1505
