St John the Baptist

This drawing is dated circa 1485 - 1490, with chronological ambiguity surrounding most of Botticelli's drawings

The Uffizi Gallery hold this amongt their collection and several other drawings from this artist on display. Botticelli continued his use of this famous religious figure in several other artworks, including Madonna and Child and the Young St John the Baptist, The Madonna and Child with the Infant Saint John the Baptist and Virgin and Child with the Infant St John the Baptist.

In line with most of Botticelli's drawings from around this period, St John the Baptist was completed in pen with bistre shading and white heightening on pink primed paper. His drawings were generally small, this one measures 35.9cm x 15.6cm. It holds his normal stamp and signature which helps to authenticate it, if not accurately date it.

This particular drawing shows off several qualities found in the work of Botticelli. The drapery is beautifully captured, with carefully crafted folds in the clothing and lighter shades used to add depth to the drawing. Darker areas can be found in the hair and also his facial features, again adding further levels to this piece.

St John the Baptist is a major theme from the teachings of Christianity and religion was also a major influence in Renaissance art. There are countless examples of him being used as inspiration to artists across Europe, be it drawings, paintings or even tapestries. St John the Baptist Preaching by Raphael, John the Baptist by Caravaggio and Beheading of St John the Baptist by Peter Paul Rubens are amongst the more well known.