Saint John the Baptist from the cathedral in Lviv
Author: Author unknown
Date of creation: first half of the 17th century
Dimensions: height 77 cm, width 32 cm, depth 22 cm
Technique: alabaster sculpture
The sculpture depicts Saint John the Baptist as a slim man standing. He has long hair and a beard. His back, hips and right side are wrapped in a cloak made of animal skin. The cloak spreads over his bare chest and legs. The saint holds a closed book in front of him. On it sits a lamb. The alabaster from which the sculpture was made is a white rock. The surface of the statue is cracked in many places and has turned very grey. The colour is lighter in some places and darker in others. Several elements are damaged. In the museum, the sculpture is placed on a wooden pedestal.
John the Baptist’s curly hair falls to his shoulders. His forehead has a few wrinkles. His large eyes look straight ahead. The nose is chipped. His mouth is slightly parted. The beard frames his narrow face with clearly defined cheekbones. In the account of the gospel, the cloak is made of camel skin. Its outer side is smooth and leathery. The inner side, visible in places when it’s turned inside out, is lined with long-hair fur.
The cloak is tied on John’s left shoulder with a thick rope. It is attached to the camel skin with clasps. It is where the sculpture is damaged. The left arm and chest are bare. His muscles and ribs are clearly defined.
John stands with his right leg straight and his left leg bent, supporting it on a stone. His cloak is parted at his left thigh. The ends of his bare feet are broken off.
On John’s right forearm rests a large book, placed horizontally. The saint holds it with its back towards him. With his left hand he holds the book and a corner of his cloak. On the cover of the book sits a lamb, or a young ram. Its front legs are tucked under its body. Its fur is long and thick. The front part of the head has been broken off.
