The Beheading of John the Baptist. Wooden orthodox icon

The icon of the Beheading of the Head of John the Baptist of the Lord

One of the most ancient relics is the Beheaded Head of John the Baptist. Cut off by order of King Herod, she was buried secretly, separately from the body and was miraculously found three times by pious Christians. The day of the Beheading of the Head of John the Baptist is celebrated by the church as a holiday.

In honor of this event, temples were consecrated, in which carved wooden images of the Beheaded Head lying on a platter or in a bowl, made in full size, were revered. In iconography, the story of the Beheading of the Head of John the Baptist is most often found in the hagiographic icons of the saint. But the Yaroslavl icon "The Beheaded Head of John the Baptist" of the end of the XVII century is unique (Fig. 9). In the center of the composition is the Beheaded Head of John the Baptist lying in a golden bowl, to which an angel sent by the Savior flies with a crown in his hands.

In the corners of the icon there are four scenes from the life of the holy prophet John the Baptist: "The Gospel of Zechariah" about the birth of his son, "The Nativity of John the Baptist", "The Beheading of the Head of John the Baptist" and "The Finding of the Head of John the Baptist". The construction of the composition suggests that, having surrounded the image of the Truncated Chapter with hagiographic plots, the master does not represent the life of the saint, but the history of the relic.

It is known that the beheaded Head of John the Baptist on a golden platter is in one of the cathedrals of France.

🖼 Product Features

Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives.

• Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight
• Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
• Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
• Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
• Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal

📏 Available Sizes

• Small – 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• Medium – 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• Large – 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)

🎁 Perfect For

• Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts
• Housewarming and family blessings
• Prayer corners and devotional spaces
• Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days

🌍 Worldwide Delivery

Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.

✨ Crafted with Tradition

Each icon is carefully made by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal — created to become a lasting blessing for your home or a treasured gift for someone you love.