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John the Baptist's Head on Charger, n.d. Creator: Samuel Shelley
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John the Baptist's Head on Charger, n.d. Creator: Samuel Shelley
John the Baptist's Head on Charger, n.d
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Media ID 36325347
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Beheaded Beheading Crockery Decapitated Decapitation Dish John The Baptist Plate Platter Saint John The Baptist St John The Baptist Samuel Shelley Santo Tableware
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EDITORS COMMENTS
John the Baptist's Head on Charger" is a hauntingly beautiful and intriguing monochrome drawing by the American artist Samuel Shelley. This pen and black ink with brush and gray wash on cream laid paper drawing, laid down on cream laid paper, is a powerful depiction of the biblical story of the beheading of John the Baptist. The image features the disembodied head of John the Baptist, resting on a charger or a large, shallow dish. The head is turned to the side, with a serious and contemplative expression on its face. The artist has skillfully captured the texture and form of the aged, weathered face, with its long beard and deep-set eyes. The head is surrounded by a halo, signifying the saintly status of John the Baptist in Christian tradition. The charger on which the head rests is adorned with intricate patterns and designs, adding an element of ornate beauty to the scene. The tableware in the background suggests a grand and opulent setting, yet the presence of the decapitated head creates an unsettling contrast. The drawing is a masterful blend of the religious and the secular, the sacred and the profane. The use of monochrome tones adds to the somber and contemplative mood of the image, while the detailed rendering of the textures and forms brings the scene to life. Samuel Shelley's "John the Baptist's Head on Charger" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning work of art that invites the viewer to reflect on the complexities of human nature, religion, and the passage of time. This print is a valuable addition to any art collection, particularly those with a focus on religious art, drawing, or the works of Samuel Shelley. The Art Institute of Chicago is fortunate to have this rare and captivating work in its permanent collection.
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