The Preaching of Saint John the Baptist 1598 - 1604

Curator: This is a fascinating watercolor drawing, "The Preaching of Saint John the Baptist," crafted by Gerrit Pietersz sometime between 1598 and 1604. It now resides here at The Met. Editor: What strikes me immediately is the almost dreamlike quality. The blues and browns... it's faded, or perhaps intentionally muted, lending a hazy feel. The gathering seems far removed from us in their focused listening. Curator: Yes, and notice how the use of watercolor gives it an airy, almost ephemeral quality. I wonder, what paper was available? What were the societal demands in artistic training or labor for a piece like this? Were these watercolor pigments derived locally? All things to think about for the conditions of creating an artwork such as this one. Editor: An interesting idea. What catches my eye, too, is the grouping of figures to the right. Is that a family, watching the sermon from afar, seemingly detached? A wealthy benefactor? Curator: I see what you mean, but isn’t it compelling how Pieterz utilizes landscape—that broad, slightly indistinct backdrop—not just as setting, but as an emotional stage? The northern renaissance focus is truly impressive when he is working within the means of readily available material culture for pigments and the skill of laborers making paper. Editor: You're right. It’s a skillfully crafted landscape that gives that open sky behind the crowd so much significance; all of it feels like a great precursor to more complex techniques yet to come. One also wonders how patronage for the materials might have further propelled his creativity and technique here? Curator: The use of available materials here emphasizes an economy of artistic labor in such Northern Renaissance-esque biblical paintings. So much is emphasized simply from looking at how this artist has to pull from accessible local material sources. I always learn so much every time I pass by. Editor: I feel so close to this moment and time, like this artwork offers so many little mysteries to engage with and reflect. Thanks so much for pulling this back to the materiality to the era!