A memorable work is the Baptism of Christ, by the Italian Renaissance painter Piero della Francesca. In the center of the painting, we see Jesus with a thoughtful and kind expression on his face. An expression that radiates peace and holiness and reminds of the Divine nature of Christ. On the right we see John holding the cup from which the waterfalls on the face of Christ. John the Baptist was the last prophet before the coming of Christ; he lived in the wilderness as an ascetic. He is pictured here dressed in animal skins.
Above Christ, we see the dove that symbolizes the Holy Spirit and on the left we see 3 angels standing. In the back, we see hills that remind Francesca’s hometown, specifically Sansepolcro situated in southeastern of Florence. In this way, the painter added a personal element to the whole depiction. In fact, the baptism of Christ must have included a complete immersion, yet the painter presents the Jordan River in his own way as a stream. Also behind John, we see someone taking off his clothes while waiting his turn to be baptized.
Francesca creates a work that inspires dignity and beauty while adding a personal touch to the whole depiction. A painting that reminds us that Jesus is the Son of God.
Comments