Episodes from the Life of Christ: Baptism of Christ

probably 18th or 19th century

Northern Italian 18th or 19th Century

This is a drawing of a religious scene. The image depicts a central figure kneeling in water with hands in prayer, being anointed by another figure standing nearby who holds a staff with a cross at the top. Above the kneeling figure, a dove is illustrated descending from a cloud, while on the left, two angelic figures observe the event. The composition presents an intricate linework and shading to convey depth and texture, with a circular border framing the scene. The drawing is reminiscent of an early religious woodcut style.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    nielloed silver

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    diameter: 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.)
    engraved composition: 4 cm (1 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1961.9.164

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Collection of Leopoldo Cicognara [1767-1834], Venice;[1] Enrico Conti, Milan, before 1917(?); Trivulzio collection, Milan, after 1917; [2] (Alessandro Contini Bonacossi, 1878-1955, Rome and Florence);[3] purchased 26 June 1935 by Samuel H. Kress (1863-1955), New York; gift 27 September 1950 to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York;[4] gift 1961 to NGA.
[1] Laura Aldovini, _I Nielli Trivulzio. Storia, Tecnica, Collezionismo,_Milan, 2021: 239.
[2] Aldovini, I Nielli Trivulzio, 239.
[3] The bill of sale included sculptures, maiolicas, furniture, antique velvets, paintings, and enamels, for a total of one hundred objects. Copy in NGA curatorial files. See also The Kress Collection Digital Archive, (https://kress.nga.gov/Detail/acquisitions/ACQ143).

Associated Names

Bibliography

2021

  • Aldovini, Laura. I Nielli Trivulzio. Storia, Tecnica, Collezionismo. Milan, 2021:83, 94, 159, 236, 239-242, 274, no. 72, pl. XVIII.

Wikidata ID

Q63854500

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