John the Baptist Preaching

John the Baptist can be seen toward the center of this painting, preaching to a gathering crowd. Although this panel illustrates a scriptural narrative, it was also designed to give visual pleasure. Bloemaert presented the figures in theatrical poses and chose a striking color scheme—exaggerations of style favored by Dutch Mannerist artists in the late sixteenth century. The unusual composition and delicate modeling, in rich shades of red, would have held particular appeal to connoisseurs.

Image Caption

Abraham Bloemaert, John the Baptist Preaching, 1593–95, oil on panel. Clark Art Institute, Acquired by the Clark, 2012.16