Pictured is a marble statue of Saint John the Baptist by Ottaviano Lazzerini in the Church of San Biagio in Montepulciano, Italy. It is one of four sculptures of saints completed by Lazzerini in 1584 for the main altar. Saint John was known for his role as a prophet and baptizing Jesus Christ. Ultimately, John the Baptist met a tragic end. He had publicly criticized Herod for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, the wife of his brother, which resulted in his arrest and imprisonment. Herodias's daughter performed a dance for Herod at a lavish banquet which so pleased the ruler that he promised to grant her any request. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod, bound by his promise and influenced by public opinion, reluctantly ordered the execution of John.
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