• The Baptism of Christ Gm-00079301
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The Baptism of Christ Gm-00079301

The Baptism of Christ Gm-00079301

CHF 40.00
CHF 40.00
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Paolo Veronese (Paolo Caliari) and workshop (Italian, 1528–1588) Wading carefully through the water of the River Jordan, Christ leans his upper body forward, and extends his arms for balance, his fingertips gently touching Saint John the Baptist's side. Christ’s outstretched arms may prefigure his position on the cross at his crucifixion. He bows his head to receive the purifying water, while above, divine light from the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove illuminates the sky. Three angels sit at his feet, bearing witness to the act, while blue-winged cherubim look down from heaven. The poses of Christ and the Baptist were inspired by a painting of the same subject by Tintoretto, painted for San Silvestro in Venice early in the 1580s.

Paolo Veronese used luminous, highly saturated colors and vibrant light to animate the scene. In the lush landscape, trees frame the composition and lean away to either side to reveal a serene clearing. The theme of the Baptism of Christ is one which Veronese tackled numerous times during his career, and this work is considered the last such example. The early provenance of this work is unknown, but it has been suggested that the relatively modest size of the painting may indicate that it was made for a private chapel, or perhaps for private devotion in a secular setting. Scholars generally agree that the idea and the overall design of this painting were entirely Veronese’s, as was the execution of the main figures, but that other elements, including the putti in the sky, were likely carried out by assistants.

Printed to order on 100% cotton archival paper (250 gsm). These cards are produced for shops across Switzerland and Italy. Prices shown are retail; trade discounts are available for registered retailers. A trade code will be provided upon approval.

Large cards measure 13 x 18 cm. Medium cards measure 10.5 x 14.8 cm. Each card includes a recycled kraft envelope and is individually wrapped in eco-friendly packaging.

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