John the Baptist
Usually represented alone, the figure of John the Baptist may appear also together with that of the Virgin Mary in dedication or votive icons. More often than not he is represented as a standing semi-profile barefooted and emaciated, ascetic figure, clad in furry leather, draped around the body, or in a tunica of dark wavy fur, over which is added a cloak chromatically ranging from red to brown. The ascetic face is characterized by large, expressive eyes, hollow cheeks, a narrow pointed nose, long, wavy and tangled hair and beard. The complexion is olive and sun-burnt. He is holding a thin staff , topped by a standard or a cross. Another common posture is that of an imploring character, head and arms raised towards the Heaven. Almost without exception (an exception being the narrative scenes of John the Baptist’s hagiographic cycle) the character is portrayed over a rocky background, suggesting the wilderness.
Usually represented alone, the figure of John the Baptist may appear also together with that of the Virgin Mary in dedication or votive icons. More often than not he is represented as a standing semi-profile barefooted and emaciated, ascetic figure, clad in furry leather, draped around the body, or in a tunica of dark wavy fur, over which is added a cloak chromatically ranging from red to brown. The ascetic face is characterized by large, expressive eyes, hollow cheeks, a narrow pointed nose, long, wavy and tangled hair and beard. The complexion is olive and sun-burnt. He is holding a thin staff , topped by a standard or a cross. Another common posture is that of an imploring character, head and arms raised towards the Heaven. Almost without exception (an exception being the narrative scenes of John the Baptist’s hagiographic cycle) the character is portrayed over a rocky background, suggesting the wilderness.
