The artwork, titled “Baptism of Christ (detail),” was created by the renowned artist Piero della Francesca around the year 1450. This early Renaissance masterpiece is rendered on a panel using tempera and measures 167 by 116 centimeters. The painting, which belongs to the genre of religious paintings, is currently housed in the National Gallery in London, UK.
The artwork depicts a serene and sacred moment of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Central to the composition are two figures: one representing Jesus Christ with his hands clasped in prayer, and the other likely depicting John the Baptist performing the baptism. Above them, a white dove appears, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The background is an idyllic landscape with rolling hills and detailed trees, indicative of Piero della Francesca’s mastery in perspective and landscape painting. To the right of the central figures, there are additional individuals, one of whom appears to be removing his garments, likely preparing for the sacrament. The artwork’s restrained color palette and meticulous execution underscore the solemnity and spiritual significance of the scene.
