This sculpture depicts a relief of a seated male figure with a muscular build, long, curly hair, and a beard. The figure is shown with his right hand raised and his left hand resting on his lap, covered by a draped cloth. The sculpture is located on a circular disc and is cast in a dark material, likely bronze. The background behind the figure is smooth, contrasting with the detailed texture of the figure's hair and fabric. The sculpture's size relative to us suggests it is a small, medallion-like piece.
Gallery mode Full size at the museum

Window mode follows your eyes with your camera, in this browser only: no picture or position leaves your device.

Saint John the Baptist

Francesco di Giorgio Martini (Sienese, 1439 - 1501)

c. 1475/1485

Medium
bronze//Black laquer (abraded locally)
Classification
Sculpture
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 19.1 cm (7 1/2 in.) ; gross weight: 1807.6 gr (3.985 lb.) ; framed (diameter x depth (forehead)): 4.1 cm (13 3/4 × 1 5/8 in.) ; width: 19.7 cm (7 3/4 in.) ; depth (background thickness): 0.5 cm (3/16 in.)
Culture
Sienese
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CSD
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art