Icon of Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist — Angel of the Desert

This hagiography depicts Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist, son of the priest Zacharias and Elizabeth, following the iconographic type of the Angel of the Desert: shown with wings, holding a scroll, and carrying his own head, referring to his martyrdom by beheading.

He was called "Forerunner" because his word prepared the way for Christ, and "Baptist" because he baptized the faithful in the waters of the Jordan. A relative of Christ, he led an ascetic life in the desert and preached with fervor, openly denouncing the immorality and religious hypocrisy of his time.

He did not shy away from openly criticizing Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Judea, for his illicit relationship with Herodias, his brother's wife. Imprisoned for this denunciation, Saint John was beheaded at the instigation of Salome, Herodias's daughter. The Forerunner was buried in the city of Sebaste, while his holy hand was transferred to Constantinople by the deacon Job, where it was kept in the imperial palace.

The Orthodox Church honors the memory of the one it considers the last and greatest prophet of the Old Testament on January 7 each year.

Hand-painted on carved wood, this icon pairs a 24-karat gold halo with a colored background, in a 50 x 28 cm format suited to a prayer or devotional space.

Every hand-painted hagiography is one of a kind, bearing the iconographer's signature. Given for his feast, a baptism, or to enrich a collection of religious items, this icon of Saint John the Forerunner honors the one who prepared the way of Christ to the very end, including in martyrdom.