Saint John the Baptist — Leonardo’s late sfumato (1513–1516)

From darkness, a figure blooms: soft curls, an enigmatic smile, and a fingertip lifting toward the unseen. Painted c. 1513–1516, Leonardo’s nocturnal saint is pure atmosphere—shadow turned to velvet, skin to light. The famous raised index, the reed cross, the half-smile: a quiet, persuasive mystery.

Why it captivates

• Sfumato perfection — edges dissolve like breath, light seeming to glow from within.

• Iconic gesture — the upward-pointing finger, a sign of revelation and grace.

• Psychological poise — a smile both tender and unreadable.

• Night-as-stage — figure emerging from near-black ground for theatrical focus.

• Renaissance masterwork — Leonardo’s late, refined language at its most intimate.

• Statement artwork — calm, contemplative presence for living rooms and studies.

What you’ll see

A half-length St John turned three-quarters, right hand raised with a slender finger pointing upward; the reed cross low at the left; luxuriant curls catching soft light; bare shoulder and chest modelled in warm tones against deep shadow. Up close: feather-fine transitions. From a step back: a serene, luminous apparition.

A richer historical frame

Created during Leonardo da Vinci’s last Italian years, Saint John the Baptist gathers his lifelong pursuits—subtle anatomy, vaporous sfumato, and a taste for ambiguity—into a single nocturnal image. Its intimate scale and dramatic chiaroscuro mark the culmination of his portrait language.

Choose your finish

🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp detail, minimal glare.

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—perfect for busy spaces.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and fine detail.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

Size (W × H)

649 × 841 mm (approx. 25.55 × 33.11 in)

• Orientation: Portrait

• Aspect ratio: ~0.772 : 1

• Nearest standard frame: A0 portrait (841 × 1189 mm) with a custom mat

• Framing tips:

  • Classic look: cut the mat window to ~645 × 837 mm to overlap edges by 2–3 mm.

  • Contemporary look: float-mount in an A0 frame for a generous gallery reveal.

Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Renaissance aficionados and lovers of chiaroscuro

• Collectors & stylists curating serene, contemplative interiors

• Educators & galleries exploring Leonardo’s late work

• Gift-givers celebrating milestones with timeless elegance

Our Commitment

Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.

Invite Leonardo’s quiet radiance into your space—order your fine-art print of Saint John the Baptist today.