DESIDERIO DA SETTIGNANO
(b. ca. 1428, Settignano, d. 1464, Firenze)

Meeting of Christ and St John the Baptist as Youth

1453-64
Marble relief, diameter 50 cm
Musée du Louvre, Paris

In this relief, the boy Christ is clearly distinguished by the cross in his halo, the youthful Baptist by the animal skin. The spontaneous vivacity of their interaction is captured by Desiderio and the happy expressions reveal a delight in their relationship that would provide an appropriate model for children.