Lazarus Colloredo and Joannes Baptista Colloredo, born in Genoa, Italy, were conjoined twins who gained fame by touring freak shows across 17th-century Europe. Joannes Baptista, named after John the Baptist, protruded from Lazarus’ body, with his upper body and left leg visible. Joannes Baptista, a parasitic twin, remained silent with closed eyes and an open mouth. According to the later account of Copenhagen anatomist Thomas Bartholinus, touching Joannes Baptista’s chest would cause movement in his hands, ears, and lips.

In order to support themselves, Lazarus traveled extensively throughout Europe, making appearances in Basel, Switzerland, and Copenhagen, Denmark, before reaching Scotland in 1642. Later, he visited the court of Charles I of England, as well as Danzig (Gdańsk), the Ottoman Empire, Germany, and Italy in 1646.

Contemporary sources described Lazarus as courteous and handsome, despite the presence of his dangling brother. When not exhibiting themselves, Lazarus would cover Joannes Baptista with a cloak to minimize unwanted attention.

According to later accounts, Lazarus married and had several children, none of whom had his unique condition. An engraved portrait of Lazarus portrays him dressed as a courtier during the era of the House of Stuart.

Henri Sauval reported that Lazarus was sentenced to death for murdering a man but managed to avoid execution by highlighting that his innocent twin brother would also perish.