Italian, Northern Italy
Saint John the Baptist, early 16th century
Limestone (with traces of polychromy visible), 91.1 x 38.1 cm (35 7/8 x 15 in.)
This Northern Italian vertical limestone sculpture is a depiction of John the Baptist. He is carved in a rectangle with a scalloped semi-circle behind his head. He has a gaunt face, long hair and a pointed beard, and he is wearing a knee-length textured tunic with a long mantle that goes all the way to his feet. His long slender legs end in bare feet. This figure looks down and to his left. He holds a roughly shaped small scroll against his left hip. His right arm and hand are at a right angle against his upper waist.
Courtyard
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.