Saint John the Baptist

Francesco di Giorgio Martini

National Gallery of Art

This sculpture depicts a relief of a seated male figure with a muscular build, long, curly hair, and a beard. The figure is shown with his right hand raised and his left hand resting on his lap, covered by a draped cloth. The sculpture is located on a circular disc and is cast in a dark material, likely bronze. The background behind the figure is smooth, contrasting with the detailed texture of the figure's hair and fabric. The sculpture's size relative to us suggests it is a small, medallion-like piece.