Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

Saint John the Baptist: Right Pinnacle Panel

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Buy a print or image licence

You can purchase this reproduction

If you have any products in your basket we recommend that you complete your purchase from Art UK before you leave our site to avoid losing your purchases.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

This figure has been mistaken for the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, because the prophet’s words are inscribed in Latin on the scroll he carries: ‘Behold the Virgin shall conceive.’ But a camel-hair tunic peeks out from underneath the red robes, identifying him as Saint John the Baptist: this is what the saint wore during his time preaching in the desert (Matthew 3: 4; Mark 1: 6). Close examination with a microscope reveals that there is another inscription – the original – underneath.

This panel comes from a group that once formed the uppermost tier of a large altarpiece. It was originally placed opposite an image of the Virgin Mary; together they framed an image of Christ as judge of mankind. They might have been paired here because both are traditionally thought to intervene on behalf of humanity at the Last Judgement, when souls would either be condemned to hell or elected to paradise.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Saint John the Baptist: Right Pinnacle Panel

Date

about 1364-6

Medium

Tempera on wood

Measurements

H 89.2 x W 37.2 cm

Accession number

NG579.8

Acquisition method

Bought, 1857

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue