Attributed to
Agnolo Bronzino
, Italian, 1503-1572
Title
Saint John the Baptist in the WildernessDatec.1560-1565
MediumOil on wood panel
Dimensions
72 x 59 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 1942
Object numberNGI.1088
DescriptionAround the middle of the 16th century, the intellectual elite of Florence was attracted by the sophisticated mannerist style of Bronzino and, for over two decades, he was unchallenged as the favourite artist of Duke Cosimo I de'Medici and the city's aristocracy.Bronzino was a pupil of Pontormo, and when he left that studio he executed a number of small altarpieces and also spent some time assisting older artists painting in decorative mural schemes. His technique, based on rich saturated colours and a sharp inundating light, allowed him to create portraits of great beauty and intensity. During his career, Bronzino was deeply influenced by Michelangelo and fascinated by classical sculpture, and he preferred to paint mythological and allegorical subjects than religious altarpieces.
In this idealised image of John the Baptist, Bronzino reveals his preference for elongated female nude figures, and, were it not for the Cross, it would be difficult to distinguish this saint from some pagan deity in the wilderness.
(National Gallery of Ireland: Essential Guide, 2008)
ProvenancePurchased, The Arcade Gallery, Ltd., London, 1942