Naive Early 18th Century Oil - St John the Baptist in the Wilderness

This dramatic landscape painting depicts St John the Baptist and a lamb to symbolise his recognition of Jesus as the Son of God. The Saint and lamb are captured in a richly detailed forest scene with towering trees and rocky outcroppings rendered in earthy tones, likely a depiction of his association with the untamed wilderness. The artist has included a bridge to the right, a powerful symbol of transition linked to St John and his role bridging the Old and New Testaments. The foreground shows a watery flowing stream presenting the baptismal associations with water. Unsigned. Well presented in a gilt frame with foliate corner mouldings. On panel.