Saint John the Baptist: his decapitated head. Etching after D. Fetti (?).
- Date:
- 1810-1819
- Reference:
- 6256i
- Part of:
- Engravings of the most noble the Marquis of Stafford's collection of pictures in London.
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Description
Saint John the Baptist was the son of Saint Elizabeth, a relative (Greek "syngenis") of the Virgin. He was therefore a relative of Jesus Christ. His father was Zacharias. He is often depicted wearing camel's hair; with a lamb, referring to his description of Christ as the "Lamb of God"; with a cross of reeds held sometimes by him and sometimes by the lamb; and pointing with his index finger, to indicate his role as annunciator of Christ. His martyrdom by decapitation led to his being invoked especially against diseases associated with the head, such as migraine, epilepsy ("le mal Saint-Jean") and quinsy
Publication/Creation
1810-1819
Physical description
1 print
Lettering
John the Baptist's head in a charger. Dom.co Feti. Stafford Gallery ...
Reference
Wellcome Collection 6256i
Type/Technique
Languages
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed stores