Saint John the Forerunner

Tamara Penwell's icon of Saint John the Forerunner

Also known as St John the Baptist. One of the most intriguing and enigmatic characters in the Bible and a fascinating subject to paint.

About St John the Forerunner there are more questions than answers. He is known as “The friend of the Bridegroom”, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness”, “the witness who bore testimony to the Light”, “[the one who] will have the spirit and power of Elijah”. The title “Forerunner” is also thought-provoking.