St. John the Baptist | Leonardo da Vinci | 1513-16 Carlos Schwabe a creature from Roman and

a creature from Roman and Greek mythology

The artist's playful and imaginative interpretation of the supernatural theme adds a sense of fun and whimsy to the scene

sinister figures

created in 1819

"Stańczyk" by Jan Matejko is a poignant portrayal of the court jester Stańczyk

St. John the Baptist | Leonardo da Vinci | 1513-16 Carlos Schwabe a creature from Roman andAbout the artwork: In this enigmatic final painting by Leonardo da Vinci, Saint John the Baptist emerges from a dark, undefined background, his form illuminated by a soft, almost supernatural light. With his right arm raised and finger pointing upward, he alludes to the heavens and the coming of Christa gesture loaded with spiritual significance. His faint smile and ambiguous expression echo the famous sfumato technique Leonardo mastered, giving the