The Baptism of Jesus Self-researched

Artist: Carlo Maratta
Location: Baths of Diocletian, Rome
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 1697

Biblical Context

Baptism of Christ - The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, when the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and a voice from heaven declared "This is my beloved Son." (Matthew 3:13-17)

Painted for St. Peter's Basilica, this monumental altarpiece depicts the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist. It was among the first large paintings moved from St. Peter's to Santa Maria degli Angeli, transferred by order of Pope Benedict XIII after Maratta's death in 1713.