A full-length depiction of a male figure. There is an Armenian inscription carved onto a projecting block to the left of his head. It reads "John the Baptist". The crudely carved inscription beside his left leg is associated with an adjoining khatchkar, stating that it was carved in 1721 for Kirakos.
Physical characteristics
His head is haloed. He wears an uncut beard. His hair is long and unstyled, some of which extends onto his shoulders. His right hand gestures with palm raised outward. His left arm is partly raised and extended. His left hand appears to be presenting or demonstrating something rather than pointing.
Clothing
He wears a long cloak, secured by a circular brooch. On his feet are sandals.
Identification Saint John the Baptist (DAA, Davis, and Nersessian). The apostle Saint Bartholomew (Mnatsakanian).
Mnatsakanian suggests that the identifying inscription "John the Baptist" is not a part of the original sculptural program and was carved at a later date. This is problematic - the inscription is carved on a flat stone that intentionally protrudes from the surface of the wall, and it is difficult to imagine any other purpose for this stone other than to carry an identifying inscription. For Mnatsakanian's theory to be correct it would require that the original inscription had been erased and replaced by the current one.
Nersessian theorises John the Baptist is depicted here because he was the last of the prophets and the first witness to Christ. The Paradise lost by Adam (in figure B5) will be regained through the Incarnation of Christ. John the Baptist is "Elias which was for to come" and "...is come already", which is why the prophet Elijah (Elias) is carved at the opposite end of the east façade (figure A13).