Saint John the Baptist
about 1542-1545
Bronzino gives us a Saint John the Baptist who looks less like a rugged desert prophet and more like a bodybuilder contemplating existence. This is classic Mannerism: the figure is twisted into an elegant, impossible pose (the *figura serpentinata*) to show off the artist's skill with anatomy. The heavy, crimson drapery creates a luxurious contrast against the pale, marble-like skin, a hallmark of Bronzino’s cool, polished style favored by the Medici court. While the reed cross and animal skin are traditional symbols, the saint’s intense, brooding gaze feels surprisingly modern.
Views: 2