“St John the Baptist” is a wood sculpture created by Donatello in 1438. This work of art belongs to the Early Renaissance period and is currently situated in Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice, Italy.
The artwork is a poignant portrayal of Saint John the Baptist, showcasing Donatello’s remarkable skill in capturing human emotion and expression in wood. The detailed and lifelike rendering of the saint’s face, with deep-set eyes and flowing hair, conveys a sense of solemnity and spiritual contemplation. The craftsmanship evident in the carving of the hair and beard, along with the textural details of his garment, reflects the mastery of Donatello and the high standards of Renaissance art. The sculpture’s realistic portrayal and the emotional depth it exudes are quintessential characteristics of the period, rendering it a significant piece in the canon of Early Renaissance sculptures.
