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The Baptism of Christ
Piero della Francesca · Renaissance & Mannerism
- Artist
- Piero della Francesca (c. 1415–1492)
- Date
- c. 1448–1450
- Dimensions
- 167 x 116 cm
- Medium
- Egg tempera on poplar panel
- Location
- National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
The Baptism of Christ shows John the Baptist pouring water over the head of Jesus in the River Jordan, as the dove of the Holy Spirit hovers above, wings spread, almost like a small cloud.
A closer look
Christ stands at the exact centre of the picture, calm and pale, his hands joined in prayer, as still as a column. To the left, three angels in pastel robes watch beside a walnut tree, whose white trunk echoes the figure of Christ. Behind, a man pulls a shirt over his head, preparing to be baptised next, and a group of priests in Eastern costume walk in the distance. The light is cool and clear, the landscape of Piero's native Tuscany sweeps away behind, and the river reflects the sky. The painting's harmony is based on carefully calculated geometry.
