Early in his career, Auguste Rodin created life-size sculptures that were so realistic, his critics argued that he had modeled them using actual persons. To answer them, Rodin began working on a larger-than-life sculpture of John the Baptist.

In this work, intentionally shown in its setting in what was originally Rodin's house and workshop, John the Baptist seems alive, striding, giving a sense of active energy. Rodin accomplished this by modeling each leg in a separate position of rapid walking, so that the passion and energy of this herald of Christ springs forth. His outstretched hand and slightly opened mouth catch him in a moment of preaching the word of Christ's coming.