Italy / designed 1645–46, probably made 1650–55
Baptism of Christ
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Baptism of Christ as sculpture (Italy · designed 1645–46, probably made 1650–55).
Algardi's sculpture plays on its intended recipient's given name: Giovanni Battista (John the Baptist).
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this sculpture as bronze and credits Alessandro Algardi (Italian, 1598–1654).
The museum's collection notes: 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
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The Cleveland Museum of ArtBaptism of ChristOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.