ALLORI, Alessandro
(b. 1535, Firenze, d. 1607, Firenze)

The Preaching of St John the Baptist

1601-03
Oil on copper, 39 x 47 cm
Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence

In a nocturnal scene, John the Baptist preaches the coming of Christ. He holds the standard of the Resurrection above a lamb representing Christ's sacrifice. Allori seems to have looked back to the Mannerist for his palette, to Michelangelo for his figures, and to northern Europe for his landscape.