School of Peter Paul Rubens , Flemish, 1577-1640
ã St. John in the Wildernessä, circa 1600

Rubens dramatic and courtly style was the epitome of Baroque art. His powerful, exuberant yet sensuous and theatrical art was immensely popular in the 17 th Century and beyond. This particular drawing is the only remaining fragment of a much larger composition that has been lost. Despite its light sketching, the power and ruggedness of the wandering Saint is self evident.