Carving of the Head of John the Baptist
Unknown artist, 1475–1525

The severed head of John the Baptist is on a dish in the middle of the panel. On either side are figures of St Peter and St Thomas a Becket, above two angels support St John's soul in a mandorla, below is Christ the Man of Sorrows. Such heads were usually a single object for domestic devotion, rather than as part of an altarpiece. Two holes in the back suggest it was fixed by latten wires to a small wooden cupboard for display.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Carving of the Head of John the Baptist, 1475–1525
Date supported
1985
Medium and material
Alabaster
Dimensions
30 cm
Grant
2287
Total cost
9150

Get a National Art Pass and explore Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.