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The Naming of Saint John the Baptist

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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Two women sit on a bed playing with a baby -- one of them holds out an apple for the little boy to grasp in his chubby fingers. With an encouraging smile, the other points it out to him. The baby is Christ’s cousin, John. This is his naming day and he will grow up to be known as John the Baptist.Zachariah sits writing on a tablet beside them. He and his wife Elisabeth were past child-bearing age, so when an angel prophesied John’s birth, Zachariah doubted its possibility and had his voice taken away as a punishment. On the naming day, the guests asked Elisabeth if the baby was to be named Zachariah after his father, as was the custom; Elisabeth answered he would be called John. Surprised, they looked at Zachariah for confirmation. He wrote ‘His name is John’ and immediately recovered the power of speech.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Naming of Saint John the Baptist

Date

probably 1650-5

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 36.8 x W 48 cm

Accession number

NG1339

Acquisition method

Bought, 1891

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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