St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist is the last prophet of the Old Testament and the first of the New Law. In Christian art he is represented as a child, as a young playmate of Child Jesus, or as an adult. The camel skin he is wearing confirms the ascetic character of his adult life. A characteristic feature of St. John the Baptist seen in this figure is the position of his index finger, raised and stating his mission as a preacher of Christ.This eighteenth century Quito sculpture offers a naturalist and skillful carving.