Early modern · Cleveland Museum of Art · 1965.471
Baptism of Christ
Alessandro Algardi, designed 1645–46, probably made 1650–55
Cleveland Museum of Art · Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund · Public domain
- Artist
- Alessandro Algardi
- Date
- designed 1645–46, probably made 1650–55
- Medium
- bronze
- Dimensions
- Overall: 62.5 x 46.8 x 33.4 cm (24 5/8 x 18 7/16 x 13 1/8 in.)
- Era
- Early modern
Why it matters
When Innocent X (Giovanni Battista Pamphili, ruled 1644–55) became pope, Alessandro Algardi endeavored to obtain his patronage. This bronze Baptism of Christ is a casting from the molds used for an original silver sculpture that Algardi presented to the new pope to gain his support in 1646. The composition depicts an important scene in the life of Christ. On the right is John the Baptist, who pours water onto Jesus's head from a shell. As Christ bows his head to be baptized, a little angel holds the edge of his cloak. Algardi worked carefully to make this piece exciting from a number of points of view. Its dramatic emphasis shifts, depending on the viewer's vantage point.