Home > Arts > Artists > M > Pier Francesco Mola
Saint John the Baptist Preaching in the Desert, 1650. Creator: Pier Francesco Mola
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Saint John the Baptist Preaching in the Desert, 1650. Creator: Pier Francesco Mola
Saint John the Baptist Preaching in the Desert, 1650
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 38693135
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1650s Biblical Scene Crouching Dark Darkness Desert Francesco Mola Francesco Mola Di Lugano High Baroque John St John The Baptist St Judaea Judea Judean Listening Matthew Matthews Gospel Mola Francesco Mola Pier Francesco Mola Piero Francesco Mola Pietro Francesco Museo Nacional Thyssen Bornemisza Museo Thyssen Bornemisza Pier Francesco Mola Piero Francesco Mola Pietro Francesco Mola Pointing Preaching Saint John Saint John The Baptist Saint John The Forerunner Saint John The Precursor Sheep St John St John Baptist St John The Baptist Thyssen Bornemisza Collection Thyssen Bornemisza Museum Judean Desert
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Fishes
> M
> Mola Mola
> Animals
> Mammals
> Bovidae
> Sheep
> Animals
> Mammals
> Muridae
> Desert Mouse
> Arts
> Art Movements
> Baroque
> Arts
> Artists
> M
> Pier Francesco Mola
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Oil paintings
> Animal portraits
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Oil paintings
> Portrait paintings
> Arts
> Realistic drawings
> Animal portraits
> Animal artwork
> Arts
> Realistic drawings
> Animal portraits
> Fine art
> Popular Themes
> Sheep
EDITORS COMMENTS
**Saint John the Baptist Preaching in the Desert**
In this breathtaking oil on canvas masterpiece (1650), Italian Baroque master Pier Francesco Mola brings to life a pivotal moment from Matthew's Gospel. Saint John the Baptist, dressed in humble attire and surrounded by an eerie desert landscape, stands tall as he preaches to a gathering of people.
The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic contrast between light and darkness, drawing our attention to the figure of St. John at center stage. His outstretched hand gestures emphasize his words, while the faces of those listening reveal varying degrees of engagement and curiosity.
Mola's brushwork is characterized by bold strokes and vivid colors, imbuing the scene with a sense of energy and movement. The Judean desert backdrop adds an air of desolation and isolation, underscoring the importance of St. John's message in this arid environment.
This stunning work from Mola's High Baroque period (1650s) is now part of the esteemed collection at Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, a testament to his enduring influence on art history. As we gaze upon this powerful depiction of faith and conviction, we are reminded of the timeless power of St. John's words: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.