Baptism of Christ
Summary
The Baptism of Christ depicts the moment when John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove and alighted on him. A voice from heaven declared "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." This event marks the beginning of Jesus's public ministry and reveals the Trinity—the Father's voice, the Son in the water, and the Holy Spirit as a dove.
Biblical Reference
Book(s): Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke, Gospel of John
Chapters/Verses: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34
Artworks Depicting This Story
The Baptism of Christ
Painted primarily by Verrocchio, but the leftmost angel, the water and rocks behind the angel are attributed to his young apprentice [Leonardo da Vinci](../artists/LeonardoDaVinci.md).
The Baptism of Jesus Self-researched
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.
Baptistery Mosaics Self-researched
The baptistery contains mosaics depicting scenes from the life of Saint John the Baptist on the walls and, in the ante-baptistery, the infancy of Christ. The dome above the bronze font shows the dispersion of the Apostles, each baptizing a different nationality in reference to Christ's command to preach the Gospel to all peoples. The baptistery also contains the tomb of Doge Andrea Dandolo.