Full Record |
| Title |
St John the Baptist in a Wooded Landscape |
| Collection |
Mount Edgcumbe House |
| Artist |
Attributed to Dutch School
Previously attributed to Melani, Giusepe (Italian artist, 1673-1747) |
| Date Earliest |
possibly about 1690 |
| Date Latest |
possibly about 1720 |
| Description |
St John the Baptist was the biblical forerunner to Jesus. He led a life of abstinence in the wilderness, as conveyed in this painting. Wearing little but animal skins he contemplates the symbol of the cross on which Jesus was destined to die. The lamb by his feet alludes to his description of Christ as the 'Lamb of God'. His youthful portrayal and the attention to form in depicting his pose, suggest an Italian artist. The past attribution to Giusepe Melani, about whom there is little documentation, would not be inconsistent with the apparent date and origin of the painting. |
| Current Accession Number |
Plymm.052 |
| Subject |
religion (John the Baptist); figure |
| Measurements |
41 x 32 cm (estimate) |
| Material |
oil on panel (hardwood {oak}) |
| Acquisition Details |
Given in lieu of tax from the estate of Edward Piers, 7th Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, 1985. |
| Provenance |
By descent through the Mount Edgcumbe family. |
| Notes |
Recorded in the inventory of paintings at Mount Edgcumbe House (possibly compiled before 1941): (Gallery) '§St John the Baptist.§ / Size 1'3 1/2§ x 1'1§. Painted by G. Melani'. Recorded in 1961 inventory of paintings at Mount Edgcumbe: (Cremyll Room, N.W. Tower) 'Saint John on Panel G. Melani'., |
| Rights Owner |
Copyright Mount Edgcumbe Collection |
| Author |
Dr Anne L. Cowe |
