HEADS of ST. JOHN the BAPTIST
ALABASTER TABLETS of the HEAD of ST. JOHN the BAPTIST
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In 15th century England, a curious devotional image became popular. A large decollated head of St. John the Baptist rests on a platter that resembles an halo. Above, two angels carry the soul of St. John to Heaven. Below, the Man of Sorrows emerges from the tomb. Aside are figures of St. Peter the Apostle and St. Thomas of Canterbury. Two other martyrs are sometimes depicted above them. Most commonly, this icon took the form of a carved, painted, and gilt alabaster tablet. Most were made in the workshops of the Trent Valley.
The Hildburgh collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum includes several, including those pictured below.
