Johannes der Täufer (Rückseite: Totenkopf),

1470er/80er Jahre

Material / Technology / Carrier

Eichenholz

Dimensions of the object

31,8 x 24,4 cm

Displayed

AP OG Saal I Vitrine

Department

Altniederländische Malerei

Genre

Malerei

Inventory number

652

Acquisition

1819/20 durch König Max I. Joseph wahrscheinlich von der Kunsthandlung Artaria in Mannheim angekauft

Stock

Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München

Citation

Hans Memling, Johannes der Täufer (Rückseite: Totenkopf), 1470er/80er Jahre, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/2mxqY2Yx8b (Last updated on 02.11.2023)

This painting is part of a diptych; its counterpart showing St Veronica is now in the National Gallery in Washington. Depicted in a landscape setting, John is the first to herald Jesus as the Messiah as he stands on the bank of the Jordan preaching to the people (John 1:29). On the reverse of this panel is a skull and the inscription ‘MORIERIS’ (Thou shalt die); on the reverse of the panel with St Veronica is the poisoned cup from which John drank unscathed. The inscription ‘H. V. D. GOES. / 1472’ was added later in another hand.