Saint John the Baptist

Saint John the Baptist

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This figure of John the Baptist is a particularly accomplished example of alabaster carving in the first half of the fifteenth century. The original context of the figure is uncertain, but the rather flattened appearance of its proper left side suggests that it was placed against an element in a larger ensemble. The saint’s attribute—a book or a lamb, or both—once held in his right hand, is now missing. The style of carving relates to that of the Kneeling Angel (acc. no. 65.215.3), suggesting that the work best exemplified by the Master of Rimini was widespread at the time.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.