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Saint John the Baptist

Author, school, workshop
Georg Zeller
Style
Early Baroque
Date
1662–1665
Material and technique
Oak wood; carving techniques
Size
Height 110 cm
Location
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Wroclaw, Poland
Description
The saint stands in counterpoint (on his right leg), facing the viewer. In his right hand, bent at the elbow and raised, he holds a cross on a tall spar resting between his bare feet. His left is hovering over his thigh. He has the face of a mature man with a prominent nose, large eyes under gentle arched eyebrows and a wrinkled, high forehead; a curly beard, moustache and neck-length hair with fringe and curves.

His half-naked body, with a clearly defined anatomy, is covered by animal skin with hair turned up in places; thrown over his right shoulder and slung over his hips, it wraps his legs in front, partially uncovering them, while at the back it reaches his pedestal.