John the Baptist cleans up...

I like William Bouguereau just as much as the next person. I love his Nymphes et Satyr painting, I have a copy at home. But this image is just too clean, too perfect. For my second favorite saint, John the Baptist, anyway. He should look disheveled and hungry. I guess he does when he's all grown up.

Look at how Mary is almost making the sign of benediction over John's head. And Jesus is playing with John. It makes for an image of a happy family, right?

The setting is sumptuous, beautiful tile work and a rich throne. I know the image is supposed to be allegorical, but it just seems off. Maybe I should just think of it as the calm before the storm....