年輕的施洗者聖約翰
ca. 1480-82
Piero di Cosimo captures the young saint in a striking profile that mimics the look of ancient Roman coins—a huge trend in Renaissance Florence for showing off important people. The artist, known for his eccentric personality and love of nature, has painted the golden curls with obsessive detail, making them look almost like a halo of their own. You can spot the traditional symbols: the rough reed cross on the left and the faint halo on the right, hinting at his holy status despite his wild, bare-chested appearance. This intimate portrait showcases the artist's unique blend of realism and fantasy, proving that religious figures didn't always have to look stiff and formal.
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.