Baptism of Christ
Jacopo Tintoretto
Tintoretto’s ‘Baptism of Christ’ was painted in the 1580s. It depicts the moment John the Baptist pours water over Christ’s head. The canvas measures 179.4 by 258.4 cm. Cleveland Museum of Art.
The oil on canvas technique allowed Tintoretto to create dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. This is a hallmark of his Mannerist style.
The museum acquired the painting in 1950. Before that, its provenance is unclear, typical for many artworks of this period.
Tintoretto worked primarily in Venice. Known for his rapid painting style, he was nicknamed ‘il Furioso’ for his energetic approach.
Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio, https://clevelandart.org/art/1950.400