Saint John the Baptist with the Mystical Chalice, 19th century

Egg tempera on panel

Height x Width: 44 x 36 cm

This piece represents one of the most mystical and theologically profound iconographic depictions within the cycle of the Forerunner. The Saint is shown in a half-length portrait, his expression stern yet melancholic as he gazes toward the viewer. He is characterized by his signature long, disheveled hair and unkempt beard—symbols of his ascetic life in the wilderness—and wears a traditional camel-skin garment, draped with a heavy, deep reddish-brown cloak rendered with delicate highlights. The theological and emotional focal point of the work lies in the Saint’s left hand, which holds a golden chalice containing the Christ Child (the "Mystical Chalice" or Agnus Dei)—an explicit reference to the Gospel of John and the foretelling of the Sacrifice. With his right hand, the Forerunner gestures toward the sacramental chalice while holding an unfurled scroll inscribed with a calligraphic invocation in Old Church Slavonic, calling for repentance. The background, entirely covered in pure gold leaf, evokes a transcendent, timeless realm—an effect heightened by the circular halo framing the Saint’s face. In the upper left, the characteristic identifying monogram remains, enclosed within an ornate cartouche. The execution reveals remarkable technical mastery, evident in the refined facial features and the skillful, voluminous rendering of the drapery; the result is a work of significant devotional and collectible value. On the reverse of the panel, there is a rare, intact Russian export customs seal, bearing Cyrillic inscriptions and a central institutional emblem—a valuable testament to the piece’s lawful passage through the official art trade channels of the era. This historical seal was affixed by customs authorities or Tsarist ministries to certify state oversight, the payment of customs duties, and the formal authorization for the export of a cultural object abroad, specifically identifying the relevant office or oversight commission.