St. John the Baptist and Two Donors

The figure of John the Baptist holding the lamb of God is flanked by an unknown husband and wife. The fur-lined robes of the pair indicate they were likely part of the rising merchant class, a sector of society that was increasingly able to commission portraits. The pair has selected John as their intercessor – a saint that would pray to God directly on their behalf. John raises his hand in benediction while looking directly out of the frame, effectively blessing the donors in both living and painted form. Beyond, a mountainous landscape has been rendered in jewel-like colors.