French School From The 17th Century, Saint John The Baptist In A Landscape, Oil On Copper

17th Century French School
Saint John the Baptist in a landscape
oil on copper
17 x 11.5 cm
In good condition except very small loss of painting in the lower left  part
In a modern frame : 21.8 x 16.5 cm

This small painting is an interesting and charming representation of Saint John the Baptist. 
It combines the traditional iconographic elements of this major figure in Christianity: He is holding the traditional staff adorned with a band bearing the words "ecce agnus dei", here is the Lamb of God. This lamb can be found to his lower left. He is traditionally dressed in a garment of animal skin and a red cape. Above all, he is pointing to the Christ, whose tiny silhouette can be seen on the left-hand edge.
What is more surprising is that here he is not wearing the traditional beard but is depicted as a young man.
The landscape in the background is also particularly charming. The cool blue and green tones are a perfect counterpoint to the red-dominated figure of the saint.