Saint John the Baptist

Origin: Possibly painted in Holue – Russia
Age: Half of the XIXth Century
Composition: Silver base, tempera on wood
Measures Cms: 52,0 X 42,8 X 2,2

He was born 6 months before Jesus. Son of Zacarias and of Elizabeth, relative of Virgin Mary, was the precursor of Jesus Christ and the last prophet. Angel Gabriel also predicted his birth. At the age of 30 he went away to the Jordan to preach an atonement baptism, there came Jesus who was baptized by his cousin and recognized by Him like the Messiah. Herodes caught it and he did not want to kill him since he knew that he was Just and Holy. But for a promise to Salom daughter of his wife Herodas was beheaded; repenting later of his mistake.