Spanish school of the early 17th century

Spanish school of the early 17th century.
"Saint John the Baptist".
Carved walnut wood.
It presents faults and old xylophages.
Needs restoration.
Measurements: 75 x 28 x 21 cm.

Carving entirely made of walnut wood that faithfully represents St. John the Baptist. Originally it was distinguished by the characteristic gesture of his right hand, raised in the act of pouring water on the faithful as a sign of baptism. His youthful, bearded face, with serene features, reinforces his iconographic identity, as does the sheepskin covering him, symbol of his austere life in the desert. In his left hand, he originally held a staff, a frequent attribute in his representation. His large almond-shaped eyes, sculpted with precision, give the figure a deep and contemplative expression, reflecting his role as prophet and herald of Christ. The treatment of the drapery is particularly notable: it is folded and superimposed with a detailed naturalistic language, creating a play of light and shadow that accentuates the modeling of the body.