The artwork titled “Diptych of John the Baptist and St. Veronica, St. John the Baptist, the left wing,” created by Hans Memling around 1470, belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. This religious painting measures 32 x 24 cm and is housed in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.
In the depicted scene, Saint John the Baptist is portrayed seated in a contemplative posture against a lush landscape of trees and rocky formations. He is adorned in a red robe with lamb by his side, symbolizing his traditional association as the herald of Christ. The right side of the diptych shows St. Veronica holding a cloth bearing the likeness of Christ’s face, reflecting the pious legend of her wiping Christ’s face on the way to Golgotha. The serene natural background and detailed garments exemplify the meticulous and symbolic approach characteristic of Northern Renaissance artistry.
