Saint John The Evangelist - Southern Netherlands - 16th Century

This magnificent marble high relief depicts a representation of Saint John the Evangelist carrying a chalice. Dating from the 16th century, the work is close to the Flemish school. Saint John is represented full-length, by a young man, with long hair whose thick locks create sinuous shapes. His head is tilted to the right, looking away from the chalice he holds in his left hand. The features of the Evangelist's face are soft, conveying a certain serenity. The Saint's shoulders are covered by a large, flowing cloak, while his long tunic seems stuck to his body. His right hand is raised and makes a gesture of blessing. As for his left hand, it holds the chalice containing a dragon. Finally, Saint John, in a contrapposto position, advances his right leg, highlighted by the flowing drapes, which protrudes from the base, while his left foot remains anchored there. This work was sculpted with great delicacy and particular attention was given to the folds of the draperies. The iconography of Saint John the Evangelist accompanied by the chalice and the serpent or a dragon, comes from a legendary episode in the life of the saint, narrated by Jacques de Voragine in his Golden Legend (1261-1266). The episode recounts the torture of Saint John who, put to the test by the high priest of the temple of Diana, must drink poison. Saint John then blesses the chalice before drinking the poison, from which emerges a serpent or a dragon, symbols of evil, which then escapes from the chalice. Dimensions: height 51cm, width 30cm (with the base) Height 46cm, width 21cm (without the base)