Saint John the Baptist with flowers 1775

This engraving of Saint John the Baptist with flowers was rendered by Simon-François Ravenet in 1775. The image presents a youthful John, his gaze soft, cradling a bouquet of roses. Roses, emblems of love and beauty, seem an unusual attribute for the ascetic Baptist. In antiquity, roses were linked to Aphrodite. Over time, Christianity adopted it as a symbol of Mary. Yet, here it is with John, drawing an unexpected parallel between earthly beauty and spiritual purity. One sees how symbols, once rooted, can be transplanted into new soils, blossoming with different meanings. The motif of flowers will continue to be used throughout history. This gentle depiction humanizes the saint, engaging us on an emotional level, and perhaps reflecting a broader cultural shift towards a more intimate, personal piety.