This particular artwork is a fragment of a larger composition known as "The Baptist Preaching," which was commissioned in 1878 for the Church of St. John the Baptist in Paris. However, the full sculpture was never completed.

"The Head of Saint John the Baptist" depicts the severed head of Saint John, known for his role as a prophet and his baptizing of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. Rodin's sculpture captures the intensity and emotional depth of the subject, with a focus on the expressive features of the face. The piece showcases Rodin's ability to convey the human form with great realism and a deep sense of spiritual and emotional insight.

While the full sculpture was never finished, the "Head of Saint John the Baptist" is a notable example of Rodin's ability to capture the essence of his subjects and evoke a profound emotional response in the viewer. It can be viewed in various museums and art institutions around the world, including the Musée Rodin in Paris, which houses a comprehensive collection of Rodin's works.