Johannes de Doper 19th century

Francesco Garzoli made this drawing of John the Baptist. In its spare lines, it represents the important figure of the Christian tradition. Here, John is depicted as a statue. But why render a religious figure in this way? Statues commemorate important figures. Drawing John like this is a commentary on the important institutional status of religion. Also, religious sculpture can be seen across Italy. John appears in classical garb, as was the fashion for Italian artists looking to the antique in the absence of any other visual codes. The classical imagery adds to the sense of the institutional weight of religious belief. We can better understand this drawing by thinking about the social history of religion in Italy. We can visit churches and museums, read historical texts, and understand the ways that religion shapes Italian culture. The meaning of art always depends on its social and institutional context.