Victoria and Albert Museum
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Year of the Sheep
'The Infant St. John the Baptist', painted pinewood statuette
'The Infant St. John the Baptist', painted pinewood statuette
'The Infant St. John the Baptist'
Painted pinewood statuette
Circle of Jose Risueno
Spain
About 1700
Museum no. 171-1864
This statuette shows the infant St. John the Baptist with a lamb. St. John is often depicted with a lamb symbolising Christ, the son of God. There are many metaphorical references to sheep in the Christian faith. Church of England and Roman Catholic priests hold a shepherd's crook during ceremonies. This symbolises the priest as the shepherd and the 'faithful' are the flock of sheep who need tending.
