Page:Cyclopedia of painters and paintings - Volume I.djvu/323



Baptism of Christ, Francesco Albani, Bologna Gallery.

CHRIST, BAPTISM OF, Francesco Albani, Bologna Gallery; canvas, H. 13 ft. 5 in. × 6 ft. 10 in. St. John pouring water on the head of Christ, who stands in the stream supported by two angels, while the dove is descending; above, in the heavens, the Eternal, surrounded by angels and cherubs. Formerly in S. Giorgio, Bologna, whence removed to gallery in 1823. Engraved by G. Mitelli; F. Rosaspina.—Pinac. di Bologna, Pl. 35.

By Gheerardt David, Bruges Academy; wood, triptych, centre, H. 4 ft. 4 in. × 3 ft. 3 in. In centre, Christ, in a hip cloth, standing up to his knees in Jordan; to left, St. John pouring water from the hollow of his hand upon his head; to right, an angel, in a cope of gold brocade, carrying the robe; above, God the Father in benediction. On right wing of triptych, Jean des Trompes kneels with his son Philip under the protection of St. John Evangelist; on the left, his wife, Elizabeth Van der Meersch, is attended by her four daughters and St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Painted in 1507 for Jan des Trompes, after whose death placed in S. Basile, Bruges, whence taken to Paris in 1794; restored in 1815.—Kugler (Crowe), i. 112; C. & C., Flemish Painters, 303; Beffroi, i. 966; ii. 294.

By Francesco Francia, Dresden Gallery; wood, H. 6 ft. 6 in. × 5 ft. 7 in.; signed, dated 1509. Christ, with hands joined, standing in the water; St. John, kneeling on bank to left, with a dish in his right hand and a staff in his left; behind, disciples and angels. Formerly at Modena; damaged in bombardment of Dresden in 1760. Replica at Hampton Court, probably acquired by Charles I. with Mantuan collection.—C. & C., N. Italy, i. 573; Law, Hist. Cat. Hampton Court, 97.

By Guido Reni, Vienna Museum; canvas, H. 8 ft. 2 in. × 5 ft. 9 in. Christ, standing in the water, is baptised by John in the Jordan. Three angels hold his vestment; from above, the Holy Ghost descending in form of a dove. Engraved by J. Pichler; Steinmüller.—Gal. de Vienne, ii. Pl. 66.

By Murillo, Duc de Montpensier, Château de Randau, Puy de Dôme, France; canvas, H. 8 ft. 9 in. × 5 ft. 11 in. The Saviour on left, standing with hands crossed; on opposite side of rivulet, St. John standing holding a reed cross in left and pointing with right hand to Christ; above the Saviour an eagle and an inscription; above St. John a winged bull and an inscription. Purchased from nuns of S. Leandro by Don A. Bravo, who sold it to Louis Philippe; Louis Philippe sale (1853), £660. Lithographed by Sevestre.—Curtis, 190; Univers. Illustré, Jan. 14, 1861.

By Murillo, Seville Cathedral; canvas,