Dead Christ
Two works that are truly harrowing. One shows the dead Christ, all skin and bones and bearing the wounds of his martyrdom. The other depicts the decapitated head of John the Baptist—shockingly realistic, his lips parted in a silent scream after he drew his last breath. During the late Middle Ages, these platters bearing John the Baptist’s head were placed on the altar on the saint’s feast day. Both works were probably by the same artist. They are excellent examples of the late Gothic style: Sculpture became realistic and highly expressive, aiming to stir emotions, inspire empathy and thus foster piety.
c. 1498
Image © Belvedere, Vienna, 2021