Artwork Page for The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan

Details / Information for The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan

The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan

c. 1480–90

Martin Schongauer

(German, c. 1450–1491)
Culture
Germany
Medium
engraving
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1952.78
Catalogue raisonné
Lehrs V.66.8
State
I/I
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Christ wades in the Jordan River to be blessed by John the Baptist, whose left hand rests on a book of scripture, signifying the fulfillment of prophecy. Overhead, the Spirit of God approvingly descends in the form of a dove. Schongauer’s engraved lines inventively emulate different natural qualities and textures, for example the fur of John’s robe, the figures’ spiraling locks of hair, and the stippled wings of the angel.
A square engraving in black ink depicts figures by water. To our left, a bearded man in animal skins kneels, placing a hand over the head of a central figure standing waist-deep in water. Both men have circular outlines behind their heads, one containing a cross. To our right, a winged figure in long robes holds a cloth. Above, a bearded person and a bird appear within clouds. Fine hatching creates textures.

The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan

c. 1480–90

Martin Schongauer

(German, c. 1450–1491)
Germany

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