Saint John the Baptist Preaching

Willem Reuter

National Gallery of Art

This painting shows a group of people in a forest. They are closely gathered, some seated on the ground, others standing, and a few mounted on horses. The person in the center of the group is seated on the left, dressed in colorful attire and raising one hand up while holding a small cross wrapped in fabric in the other hand. Surrounding them are men, women, and children of varying ages wearing cloaks or simple garments, some with hats or headscarves. Their expressions vary, some turning to speak to one another. Many people hold tall staffs. Around the group are tall trees, and to the lower left is a resting sheep sitting beside the central person. The background shows a landscape with distant hills, sparse green trees, and open blue sky with wispy clouds. There are scattered people and livestock in the fields on the right.