The Baptism of Christ
Sebastiano Ricci, ca. 1713–14
About this artwork
In the shimmering waters of the Jordan River Sebastiano Ricci captures one Christianity's most sacred moments: the Baptism of Christ by Saint John the Baptist. Created around 1713–14, this oil on canvas (26 x 40 in.) unfolds with dramatic flair typical of Venetian Baroque art. Christ stands humbly in the shallows as John pours water over him, surrounded by attendants, ethereal angels, and a burst of divine light from the heavens—izing the Holy Spirit's and God's voice affirming his son. Ricci's swirling draperies, gestures, and luminous palette the theatrical energy of masters like Veronese and Tintoretto, all on an intimate scale perfect for personal devotion. A leading late Baroque painter (1659–1734) from Belluno, Ricci revitalized Venice's grand decorative tradition, blending High Baroque dynamism with hints of emerging Rococo elegance. His international career spread Venetian coloristic brilliance across Europe, influencing his nephew Marco Ricci and the young Giambattista Tiepolo. This work exemplifies his skill in devotional imagery, bridging sacred narrative with sensory splendor. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1981 through purchase and exchange, *The Baptism of Christ* endures as a timeless emblem in Christian art, inviting reflection on themes of purification and divine revelation.