Lot number 17 - Auction 165
HEILIGER JOHANNES DER TÄUFER

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST Probably Franconia, southern Germany, late 15th century Linden wood, sculpted in the round, polychromed and gilded, flattened and hollowed on the back. H. 102, W. 37, D. 22 cm. A high-quality late Gothic depiction of Saint John the Baptist from a Franconian workshop. The forerunner of Christ is depicted in a dignified pose with the characteristic iconographic attributes of his veneration: a book and a lamb. The finely modeled facial features, the carefully rendered hair and beard, and the deep folds of the robe correspond to the stylistic language of South German woodcarving from the late 15th century. Preserved and described, restored, affected by woodworm, paint partially worn away, minor losses.