The Baptism of Christ

The Baptism of Christ

According to the Bible, John the Baptist baptizes his cousin Jesus in the River Jordan. As Jesus emerges from the water, the clouds open, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove appears, and God's voice is heard: "This is my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

Art and nature are combined in this unusual painting on stone. The artist transformed the natural pattern into banks of clouds by the addition of painted figures of God and the angels. He used a vivid passage of coloring on the stone to suggest rays of light surrounding the head of Christ.

Unknown

Victoria and Albert Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

Early seventeenth century

Bequeathed by Dr W. L. Hildburgh

Height: 52 cm estimate, Width: 38.5 cm estimate, Height: 620 mm Measured by Conservation, Width: 385 mm Measured by Conservation

Oil on marble