Description
Born 5-6 BC to elderly parents, his mother, Elizabeth, unable to have children become pregnant at the same time as the Virgin Mary, the two women being cousins. At this time the King of the birthplace of Christ issued an order for all male children of a certain age to be killed. His mother took him to the desert and hid in a cave. He then became a prophet who preached about the final judgment. He emerged in the region of the Jordan River with his circle of disciples Jesus among them. St John would the baptize his circle preparing them for entry into heaven. He then went on to follow Jesus as the true son of God. This icon was created in the 17th century.
Dana Moore (verified owner) –
Thank you Art of the Icon and especially the artist who created this icon of St. John the Baptist. This is my first *real* icon and now I know why they are so special. The artistic quality of this icon is masterful. The layering of materials is three-dimensional and creates a visual perception of depth, a real window into heaven and a real presence in my home! The dark figure of John the Baptist pops out from the red and gold background adding an additional visual effect of depth. The symbolism is also masterful. I see him alone in the desert, in silhouette, in front the full moon on Easter. Just as the moon does not shine on its own but reflects the light from the sun, John did not represent himself but the one who was to come after him, the true light of the world, Jesus the Christ. And just as the moon must decrease as night fades and the sun must increase to bring the day, John must decrease and Jesus must increase. I never knew that the presence of John the Baptist through an icon could be such a special presence in my home for me and my family.
When I first saw this icon on their webpage in the fall I knew it was the perfect one for my Lenten journey this year. John was the first to fast, pray and reduce life to its essential elements as he prepared his heart, mind and body for the coming of Christ. His entire life was preparation for Christ, a lifetime Lenten journey. His presence in the icon gave me company as I fasted and prayed and prepared myself for the coming celebration of Easter when Jesus conquered death and fulfilled the faith of all the prophets, especially John the Baptist.
This icon sat central on my home altar with two taper candles on each side and a small purple votive in front. The candle light reveals the true beauty of this masterpiece of sacred art. No other light illumines icons as well. The dancing flames brought a liveliness to the gold and red tones creating different shades and shines when viewed from different angles in the room. The soft candle light is reflected back to me in the twinkle in his eyes.
As you can read, I cannot say enough about this piece of sacred beauty. I bought a different icon, a guardian angel, for my young daughter and gave it to her this Easter morning. I trust she will enjoy similar things as I did with John the Baptist in her own way as she sits and gazes at her icon for years to come.
Happy Easter, 2023
Dana Moore, O.S.B. Oblate
Santa Fe, NM